Sandra JoAnne Bussard

The family will be holding a graveside service for Sandra JoAnne Bussard on Saturday, January 28, 2017, at 3:00PM at Patterson Cemetery in Springfield, MO. Friends are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to support your local Hospice organization by making a donation in her name. Sandra was the youngest of three daughters born to John Riley and Thelma Marceline (McCroskey) Bussard. She was born November 18, 1939, in Washington D.C. Sensing war was eminent in the summer of 1940 John urged Thelma and the girls to move back to Missouri. 213 South Main Street, Nixa, Missouri, was to become home for the family. Sandy grew up attending Nixa Public Schools, which was next door to home. While in school she participated in basketball, softball, and band. She graduated in May 1957 and enrolled at Southwest Missouri State College and graduated on May 24, 1960, attaining a B.S. in Education. Sandy taught two years in the Rolla Public School system and earned her Masters at the same time, receiving her diploma from University of Missouri on July 31, 1962. She then began teaching math in the Winfield, Missouri, school system and would continue for another 42 years, retiring on May 26, 2004. Sandy was a Student Council and Honor Society sponsor for many years. She took several summer trips with friends and family and spent time in Nixa each summer. She enjoyed bowling and golf. Aunt Sandy had eight nieces and nephews she often treated with trips to the movie theater, ball games, Dairy Queen, and birthday cards bearing very generous contents. In retirement she still made periodic trips to Springfield and spent time reading and listening to the radio, specifically St. Louis Cardinals baseball. In December 2014 she entered Lakewood Assisted Living in Springfield, and resided there until shortly before her death. She was preceded in death by her father Chief Boatswains Mate, John Riley Bussard, who died in the Battle of Guadalcanal; her mother Thelma; a brother-in-law, Glen, and sister, Jessie Irene Clute, and her sister, Marilyn Jean Richmond. Survivors include a niece Sarah Foster and nephews John and Alan Clute. She also leaves a brother-in-law Kenneth Richmond and nieces Cynthia Knight, Sherry Headley, Kadie Richmond, Teresa Griter, and Marilyn Guernsey. Other survivors include 15 great nieces and nephews, a great great-nephew and 4 great great-nieces.