Obituary of Sandra Ruth Blake

Sandra (Sandy) Ruth Blake, 72, of Santa Clarita, CA went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, October 16, 2016. A memorial celebration will be held in the chapel at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at 10:00 am. A dessert reception will follow. Parking is available in the lots west of the church. Sandra Ruth Sell was born on May 29, 1944 in Los Angeles, CA to Hubert and Katherine Louise Sell of Maryville, Missouri. She met her beloved husband, Bruce Paul Blake, at Fairview Heights Baptist Church when they were 13 and 15 years old. They were both born at the same hospital and delivered by the same doctor. They were married by Bruce’s father, Pastor James Blake, on February 17, 1962 and moved to Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Washington while Bruce served in the army. From this loving marriage were born Jennifer Lee (Leonard) and Matthew James Blake. Sandy is survived by her husband, daughter, son, son-in-law Tom, daughter-in-law Daren, grandchildren Stacey Driffill (husband Tommy), Elissa Leonard, Luke Leonard, Zachary Blake, Colette Blake, Daniel Blake and Rachel Blake. She had two precious great-grandchildren, Noah Leonard and Emma Driffill and was eagerly awaiting the arrival of her third great-grandchild due in May. Sandy is preceded in death by her father, mother and sister, Sharon Coe and also leaves behind many loving brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins. Sandy’s love for comedy began early when she realized she could make people laugh. Her creativity, wit and love for all things I Love Lucy, eventually led her to write and produce two plays for the Third Stage Theater in Burbank. She worked at Warner Brothers Studios for 22 years and in 2002, she retired to care for her mother. Her friendships spanned the years from elementary school, to family in Missouri, Warner Brothers, Grace Community Church, Grace Baptist Church, Joy of Living Bible Study and to her neighbors. Sandy was a godly woman who loved others and found great joy in serving them. She was encouraging, hilarious and thoughtful. She could decorate a room in a day, bake a delicious pie on the spur of the moment and shower you with hospitality, all the while making jokes that turned even the most mundane task into a party. Most importantly, Sandy devoted herself to reading God’s Word and prayer. She also enjoyed listening to sermons and gospel music. Sandy loved the Lord and spoke often of longing for heaven. Her faith has now become sight… To God be the glory! These are two verses that Sandy treasured: John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.