Sandra Lee Hyk

Sandra L. Hyk, known by many as Sandy, and by a lucky few as Gaga, passed away on May 6, 2025, at the age of 79. She was a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, a sister, a horsewoman, an artist, a writer, a survivor, and a force of nature unlike any other.

Sandy was born on January 8, 1946, in Ironton, Missouri. She was a fierce, wild-hearted child who grew into an equally fierce, wildly independent adult. Her humor and stubbornness were legendary, matched only by her sharp wit and unexpected flashes of tenderness. She lived through things most people couldn’t imagine, and she carried on with grit in her bones and fire in her spirit.

She was a published author, a painter, and the proud owner of Rosewin Stock Farm, where she ran around 60 head of racing quarter horses and was a leading owner at Los Alamitos in the 1970s. Her love of dogs followed her throughout life. So did her quiet defiance.

She lived alone in Northern Idaho for over 20 years, pushing snow, tending to her animals, writing, painting, and living life on her own terms.

Her laugh was loud and often inappropriate. Her hugs were big and sometimes crushing. Her stories always dramatic, her view of the world refreshingly unfiltered.

She was preceded in death by her sister Cathy French; her first husband Hal Gray, whom she loved fiercely; and her second husband, Mark Hyk. She had many half-siblings she never met and lost track of her brother Michael in childhood.

She is survived by her daughters, Kathleen Ann Diederich and Heather (Ben) White; grandchildren, Sydney (James) Hoben, Trent Diederich, Lana, and Cassandra White; great-grandchildren, Michael Grant and James Christopher Hoben; and her brother Arthur Jones, whom she connected with later in life. We would be remiss not to mention her dearest friend, Lenora Anutooshkin, whom she loved like family.

She died as she lived: a little chaotic, a little complicated, and entirely herself. Her ashes were released in the Idaho mountains alongside those of her dog Pilgrim (the infamous, seemingly immortal, and beloved). It was a farewell full of laughter, swearing, kind words, and love.

Per her wishes, there will be no formal service.

In lieu of flowers, watch The Mummy or read Sherlock Holmes, drink tea, curse at the dog (then apologize), and remember her exactly as she was: strong, flawed, wild, and unforgettable.

She had the last word. But the story—the laughter, the love, and the complicated legacy—lives on in those of us who knew her best.

"And the only prayer spoken was, 'Godspeed.'" 

— Sandra L. Hyk, The Writer and My Dad the Shamus

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Sandra’s memorial webpage at www.farnsworthmortuary.com.