Denice Sandefur

Denice Lee Cary Sandefur, a beloved educator, devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home in Jerome, Idaho, on November 14, 2025, ten days shy of her 72nd birthday.

Born on November 24, 1953, in Denver, Colorado, to Dr. Lee Allan and Alice Ritter Cary, Denice spent her formative years in the San Luis Valley, where she grew up and graduated from Alamosa High School. Her lifelong commitment to education and the environment led her to Adams State University, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Biology and Environmental Science, followed by a Master's degree in Special Education.

While attending Adams State, Denice met the love of her life, Rodney Andrew Sandefur, whom she married on June 10, 1973, beginning a remarkable 52-year journey together.

In 1977, Denice and Rodney moved to Nucla, Colorado. Denice taught for over 30 dedicated years in Nucla, where her enthusiasm and expertise inspired countless students. Her love for environmental science led her to sponsor and mentor several students in highly successful NASA research projects. Her professional excellence was recognized with the Governor's Environmental Award for Youth and a Tapestry Grant for Environmental Studies.

Beyond the classroom, Denice was deeply dedicated to the Nucla community, where she spent over 20 years in selfless service as a volunteer firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

Upon retiring from Nucla, Denice and Rodney continued their passion for teaching, joining the Jerome School District in Idaho, where they taught for an additional eight years before retiring in 2015. They continued to make Jerome their cherished home.

Denice was well-known for her loud and contagious laugh and a kindness that ensured she never knew a stranger. Her vibrant personality was matched by her deep love for animals and her advocacy for the environment. She leaves behind a legacy defined by warmth, mentorship, and a commitment to making the world a better, smarter place.

Denice was preceded in death by her mother and father, Alice Ritter Cary and Dr. Lee Allan Cary, and her beloved nephew, Joshua Cary.

She is survived by her sweetheart of 52 years, Rodney Sandefur; her son, Scott Sandefur (Janna); her daughter, Ryan Snyder (Graham); her cherished grandchildren, Donovan Sandefur and Aurhianna Sandefur; her brother, Kurt Cary (Joan); and many loving nieces and nephews.

A small celebration of Denice’s life will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 11:00 am. The celebration will be held in the Relief Society Room, Jerome Tenth Ward Meeting House, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints located at 825 E Avenue B, Jerome, ID 83338. Additional services and interment will be in Nucla, CO at the Cedar Ridge Cemetery, on December 6th, 2025, location and time to be determined.