Sandra Avery

Sandra Ruth (Mann) Breitenstein Avery, a firecracker with a heart of gold, age 73, escaped her mortal realm on Saturday, March 16, 2024, we assume “to avoid having to make a decision in the pending presidential election!”

Sandy was born October 17, 1950, in Miles City, MT to Harold and Ruby (Damm) Mann. Shortly after, Sandy moved to Billings, MT. There, she attended school and was a graduate of Senior High School, later earning her bachelor’s degree at Eastern Montana University of Billings.

Sandy married on August 22, 1970, and worked several jobs in her career such as a business assistant/administrator, tax accountant, and later as an independent financial consultant, while raising three sons. Later in life, Sandy remarried and remained in Billings through the rest of her time.

Being one never to sit still, Sandy embraced life with both hands, her calendar bursting with concert tickets and weekend getaways for friendly gambling sprees. Her work ethic was legendary, often leaving her sons marveling at her boundless energy as she enlisted their help with her latest project (though make no mistake, she remained firmly in charge!).

A true domestic architect, Sandy reveled in transforming her house into a whimsical wonderland, each room a themed escape reflecting her ever-curious nature. Possessing an unwavering spirit, she knew what she wanted and wouldn't rest until she achieved it. Yet, amidst her drive, there was always room for laughter, pizza and movies. Sandy cherished her nights out with "the girls," as their shared love of music turned any dance floor into their stage. Let's also not forget her legendary meatloaf in mushroom sauce – a dish that brought family and friends together, as warming as her smile.

While her friends and three grandchildren were her livelihood, Sandy lived a simple life, while having a huge passion for quilting which she learned from her mother and friends. She would rarely turn down a moment to stitch something for someone. She entered her award-winning work regularly into the local state fairs, while also receiving community recognition for her talent. In her lifetime she also enjoyed raising multiple pets/farm animals, crafting, rodeos, horses/unicorns, Western artifacts, exotic fish, food, her decaf coffee, Sci-Fi & Western movies, and traveling. After being widowed, Sandy was a full-time independent homeowner and could often be seen chain sawing trees/bushes and arguing with the road workers/other utility companies for tearing up her manicured yard!

Sandy was preceded in death by her parents Harold and Ruby, second husband Dan Avery, and Daughter-in-Law Sarah (Grocholski) Breitenstein. She is survived by her cat Meir (Come Here -> Come’mere ->“Meir”), and three sons Kolby, Wiley, and Michael Breitenstein. Daughter-in-Law Erica (Nietert) Breitenstein, Grandchildren Vanissa, Meghan, and Nolan Breitenstein, among four Sisters and many Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and other family of different generations and marriages.

In lieu of flowers, a GoFundMe has been setup in her name to help cover her funeral and legal expenses at https://givebutter.com/sandyavery The family also asks that you take a page from Sandy's book: embrace your curiosity, chase your dreams, and maybe even whip up a killer meatloaf, or even better, continue the family legacy of quilting. A celebration of life will be held on June 2nd (location TBD). Come for a chance to share laughter, memories, and perhaps a few dance moves for her to smile back down on you from above.