Sandra Lynn Blayden

Sandra Lynn Blayden of Bigfork passed away at Logan Health Hospital in Kalispell on Aug. 16, 2006, after a multi-year battle with cancer.

Sandra was a wife, mother, stepmother, grandmother, sister and aunt. She had a legendary soft spot for strays of all kinds, both animals and people, and was a deep lifelong animal lover and horsewoman.

Sandra was born in East Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1962 to Coleen and Kenneth Brayden, their first child. She graduated from Gull Lake High School in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She married her first husband Travis Owens, and their beloved son Hudson was born in November of 1997.

In 2010, Sandra and Hudson moved to Montana, and emblematic of her focus and drive, she hauled nine horses in two trips in a one-ton truck and a trailer. She quickly felt at home in the state, riding, gardening, and adopting a parade of dogs and cats. 

Sandra married Chris Sorensen of Bigfork on Dec. 13, 2014, and she taught him her deep love of animals. The two enjoyed cards, socializing, caring for their property, and family gatherings. Chris and Sandy greatly enjoyed their three children and two grandchildren. She was known to be funny, tough, and passionate by those who knew her.

Sandra is survived by her husband, Chris; her son Hudson Blayden, along with his wife Sina and granddaughter Walker; her stepchildren Carter and Baylee; and her granddaughter Josie. She is also survived by her sister, Laura Rantz and her husband Dan, along with their two children, and a brother Scott Blayden.