Sandra L. Hertling

On April 5th, 1938, Sandra Lee Dyer was born into the world. She was the daughter of James and Hazel Dyer, both educators in Monticello, Indiana. James was the elementary-junior high school principal at West Grade and Lincoln Schools and Hazel taught music and art for Adams Twp. and Meadowlawn Schools. Suzanne Louise (Cumings), a younger sister completed their happy family. Sandy graduated from Monticello High School as an outstanding senior in 1956. She loved music and used her talents in the community with many organizations as a pianist, accompanist, choir director and song leader. She was an active member in the Monticello Methodist Church, a participant in the Rainbow for Girls group, and a member of 4-H. Sandy attended Ball State, where she participated in Concert Choir, Ball State Student Union Board, Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, and was named Clavia for outstanding senior women. While a student at Ball State she had the honor of escorting Eleanor Roosevelt around campus for the day. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Music and Elementary Education in 1960 and later a Masters Degree in Education from Indiana University. Her first teaching job was as a 3rd grade teacher at Woodlawn Elementary in Monticello, where she remained for 7 years. During this time, she met and married a young principal from Delphi High School, James Hertling. They lived in Delphi for three years and then moved to Bloomington to complete Jim's Doctorate in Education. In 1968, their daughter Heather Suzanne was born, and the following year the family moved to DeKalb, Illinois where Jim was professor at Northern Illinois University. Bloomington always felt like home, so three years later, they returned so Jim could help create the School of Continuing Studies at IU. Sandy founded a private piano studio for children and adults and began to grow into the community. When her daughter Heather was entering her 8th grade year at Binford Middle School, Sandy was asked to become the choral music teacher. She continued as a choral and elementary music specialist there for 18 years, until her retirement in 1999. During her career, she served on the State Elementary Educators Board and the Indiana State Music Education Board. Sandy spread her wings in Bloomington and was active in many groups and organizations. She was a dedicated member of the Chancel Choir at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, Tri Kappa Sorority, PEO, Inter Sec, Woman's Club, University Club, and Alpha Mu Music Club. She served as a member of the IU Theatre Circle Board, and was one of the founders of the Lotus World Music and Arts Festival. She enjoyed travelling to all the states in the U.S. and exploring the world with her family. Other passions were reading, making greeting cards from her beautiful photographs, and gardening. To know Sandy was a true gift. She was always thinking of others and reached out to people in so many ways. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and friend. She survived advanced pancreatic cancer for 6 years, and enjoyed every "extra" day she was given. One of her greatest thrills was seeing her daughter participate in the Miss America Scholarship Organization as Miss New Jersey. She was so proud of Heather, Daniel, and Nicolas's musical contributions, and was their biggest fan when attending concerts. Sandy treasured her time with her family, and created an especially close relationship with her grandson Nicolas. Sandy is survived by her daughter Heather, son-in-law Daniel, and grandson Nicolas Narducci, sister and brother-in-law Suzanne and David Cumings, nephew James Bradley (Karen) Cumings and family, and niece Cynthia Lee (David) Rosier and family. Her husband James preceded her in death. There will be a Celebration of Life Service on Friday, December 4th at 3:00 pm, held at St. Marks United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the following organizations in Sandy's name: St. Mark's United Methodist Church Music Ministry or Bloomington High School North Band Program. Allen Funeral Home and Crematory, 4155 S. Old State Road 37, have been entrusted with arrangements. You are invited to share a memory or leave an online condolence at www.allenfuneralhome.org

Tributes

Sandra L. Hertling

April 5, 1938 - November 28, 2015