Sandra Duvall

Sandra L. Duvall, 92, of Halfway, passed away peacefully at Saint Alphonsus Hospital in Baker City in the early hours of Friday, April 24, 2026.

Sandra was born on March 5, 1934, in Sacramento, California, to Sidney L. Nelson and Dorothy E. Nichols. As a young child, she moved to Hawaii with her mother and stepfather. On Sunday, December 7, 1941, while walking to church with a friend, she looked up to see strange planes flying overhead. Upon arriving at the church, the priest immediately told them to go home. Unable to reach her parents, a neighbor took the girls into her apartment and warned them they were in danger as the bombing began. In the weeks that followed, Sandra and her mother were evacuated by overcrowded ship, spending two weeks zigzagging across the Pacific Ocean. As an adult, Sandra rarely spoke of the experience, as it left her with severe claustrophobia. Sandra was a World War II survivor.

But Sandra did not want to live in the past. She lived for the present and whatever adventures the future might bring.

Sandra met her first husband, Abe Geban, at a Sacramento bar she had snuck into before she was 21. Sandra loved to dance, and Abe was a talented drummer and dancer. They married in 1953 and had two daughters, Tamara (Tami) and Leslie. During that time, they owned a bar called “Porgies” before eventually divorcing.

Later, Sandra met Jim Bunner through mutual friends, and they married in 1965. The following year they moved to Rancho Cordova, California, where they welcomed their daughter, Jennifer (Jenna). Sandra loved tending the citrus trees, giant apricot tree, and persimmon trees at their home.

Many years after divorcing Jim, Sandra met the love of her life, Cliff Duvall, at an LDS Church function in July 1981. Cliff had a son, Steve, whom Sandra lovingly accepted as her own. They married in December of that same year.

Just six months later, the family moved to Iraklion Air Station in Crete, Greece, where Cliff was stationed. Sandra loved traveling and meeting local people. She would often hop on a bus without knowing the language—or sometimes even the destination—and turn it into an adventure. During those years she traveled throughout Europe, Spain, England, the Mediterranean, Egypt, Turkey, and Israel.

In 1989, Sandra and Cliff moved to Halfway, Oregon. Sandra loved gardening, planting trees, and raising flowers indoors and out. She enjoyed dehydrating fruit from her property and mailing it to her children and grandchildren, who often requested it. She canned countless gallons of apple and grape juice and was an avid crafter and passionate quilter. She took great joy in sharing her handmade creations with family and friends and made sure every grandchild and great-grandchild received a quilt.

Sandra was faithfully devoted to writing and sending cards. Birthday cards for the grandkids always included a treasured $2 bill. Those cards will be deeply missed. She was a bargain hunter, collector of all things, cookbook enthusiast, and devoted yard sale shopper.

Sandra was also a fierce football fan who never hesitated to yell colorful opinions at the referees and players while watching games on television. Her favorite Super Bowl snack was Lay’s potato chips with clam dip.

There was never any question that Sandra was a loving and caring person. She was community-minded and volunteered at Jacob’s Dream for more than 20 years.

Sandra lived for and deeply loved the ocean. Twice each year—once before planting the garden and again after the apples were picked—she traveled to Oceanside, Oregon. During her California years, she often visited Bodega Bay and Jenner-by-the-Sea. She also enjoyed memorable trips to Maui and Puerto Vallarta with her daughter Jenna. Sandra simply wanted to be near the ocean: walking the beach, collecting shells, and gathering rocks.

Every day, Sandra read the “Daily Word” and carefully made her to-do lists. She once said the secret to completing a to-do list was to do the task first, then write it down afterward just so you could cross it off—guaranteed success.

She will be sorely missed for her smile, encouragement, and loving spirit.

Her family, along with her precious dog Heidi, were fortunate to be with her when she passed. Sandra has gone to be with her Heavenly Father; her parents and grandparents; her stepson; many dear friends and family members; and her beloved dogs Alex and Honey, and cat Kiki.

She is survived by her husband; her daughters; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her longtime childhood friend Betty Brown; and the many friends she remained in touch with throughout her life.

At Sandra’s request, there will be no service. Memorial donations may be made to Pine Valley Ambulance or Eagle Valley Ambulance through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services, P.O. Box 543, Halfway, Oregon 97834.

Online condolences may also be shared through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home.