Cindy Lee Sanford, 47

Cindy Lee Sanford, 47, of Clark Fork lost her courageous battle with cancer on Monday night, April 12 at home with her family around her. She fought a long and hard battle to stay here on earth with her loved ones.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 17, 2004 at the Clark Fork Methodist Church with Pastor Mark Wendle officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Coffelt's Moon Chapel in Sandpoint.

Cindy was born on March 29, 1957 in Alhambra, Calif. to Edwin and Irene Bielman. Later the family moved to Buena Park and then on to Norco, Calif. In Norco, Cindy quickly acquired several horses and became very involved with Barrel racing, Gymkhana and showing horses. Animals were very important to her in teenage years and carried over into her adult life.

Cindy went to work for her dad at his building materials yard and it was there that she met her future husband Jeff Sanford. Jeff and Cindy soon decided to marry and on May 4, 1982. They were married in Las Vegas, Nev. After a reception for friends and family they settled into their home in Norco where they lived for nine years. Cindy continued to work for her dad in Costa Mesa until the birth of her daughter, Jacqueline Nicole on May 3, 1984. On April 21, 1991 Jeffrey Sterling was born completing their family. Cindy devoted herself to being a mom and wife, participating in the school activities, sports, cheerleading and room mom for the children.

In her spare time Cindy loved reading, camping and family. In 1992, the family moved to Idaho settling in Rathdrum for a year. Cindy wanting to be in a small town atmosphere and loving the mountains found Clark Fork and fell in love with the area. So in 1993, they moved to Clark Fork, enjoying the wonderful recreational activities available in the area.

In these last two years since she was diagnosed with cancer, she appreciated the loving response from the community, and felt blessed with the many friends and neighbors that wanted to help her in her fight against cancer. On April 12, she went home to be with the lord, her battle was over.

She is survived by her loving family, husband Jeff, daughter Jacqueline and son Jeffrey. Her mother, Irene Searcy, brothers Steven and David Bielman, special niece Jamie Bielman, and four nieces and nephews. Cousin Teddy Borges, along with many loving friends and extended family.

Everyone is welcome to come an celebrate the life of Cindy Lee Sanford.

Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service, Inc.