Kaye Riley Sandford, 83

Kaye was born Sept. 29, 1942, to Don and Lois Riley in Pittsburgh, Kan. Kaye passed away Jan. 20, 2026, at Lakeside Rehabilitation Center with her daughters by her side.

Kaye married the love of her life, Frank Sandford, on May 31, 1963. Together, they raised four kids: Tonya, Jodi, Brent and Shawna. Frank passed away in 2022, and 10 months later, her only son, Brent, passed away. Kaye was in the care of Lakeside Rehab Center for four years. Dementia stole all Kaye’s memories except for those of her beloved Frank. She never forgot him, and she continued to look for him and watch from the windows for him to pull in and take her home. This was painful for her daughters to watch, and they hoped one day his memory would fade away. It never did. We know now how fortunate we were to have a mother who loved so deeply that she was able to retain that memory. It has become her legacy and an inspiration to us all.

Kaye devoted her life to helping others. She and Frank took in over 100 foster kids, many of whom kept in touch with them for years. Kaye also brought home many stray animals — Frank used to joke, saying that she went out looking for strays! 

Kaye’s life revolved around her grandkids; she loved to travel and took them two at a time on most of her trips. She also loved to shop for the grandkids. She never showed up empty-handed. She used to say, “I would be rich if I didn’t have grandkids!” She loved watching her grandkids play sports and she was proudly there for every important event in their lives.

Kaye was a simple person, with a heart of gold, who didn't need much to be happy. She found her greatest joy in being with her family and helping others. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her and never forgotten. Her family is at peace knowing she finally found her beloved Frank. 

Kaye was preceded in death by her parents, Lois and Don, her brother, Don Riley Jr., Frank Sandford and Brent Sandford.

She is survived by her daughters, Tonya (Rob) Smith, Jodi (Eric) Rawlins and Shawna (Ed) Bluemer, 10 grandkids, 19 great-grandkids, and two great-great-grandkids. 

Kaye’s service will be at Bell Tower Funeral Home in Post Falls, Idaho, Jan. 31, 2026, at 11 a.m. The family would like to thank all those at Lakeside Rehab Center who loved and cared for Kaye.