Doris Betuel
We are pleased to announce Sandi Martin as our featured artist in the Robson Ranch Gourd Club! Some of you may already know Sandi from the many other clubs that she participates in.
Many Robson Ranch residents have relocated here from elsewhere in the United States and even other countries. However, Sandi is a proud native of Arizona. Born and raised in Tucson, she has lived in Phoenix, Tempe, and Chino Valley before finding our community in 2020.
She married at 18 and had two children. At 23, she divorced her first husband. She met her second husband and love of her life a year later. Her second husband was introduced to her by his ex-wife who thought they would be perfect for each other. He had three children from his first marriage, and Sandi had two. With their blended family of five children, ages ranging from 2-1/2 to 13, they were married for 47 years. The family enjoyed camping, boating, water skiing, and fishing around Arizona.
As a newlywed, Sandi worked at several jobs for various companies as a secretary, inventory specialist, and receptionist. However, soon after her youngest son entered kindergarten, she found her true calling. Starting as an unpaid volunteer teacher’s aide, she was soon hired in the Phoenix School District #1 as a paid teacher’s aide. She worked in this position in kindergarten, 1st grade, and 3rd grade, before being tapped to assist the Reading Specialist. The Reading Specialist talked to her husband about Sandi becoming a teacher. After some discussion, at the tender age of 30, she enrolled at the Phoenix College and graduated from Arizona State University 3–1/2 years later with a Bachelor of Science degree. After that, Sandi taught as an elementary school teacher for 26 years. During this period, she went back to school to get a master’s degree and amassed over 70 credits above what was needed to attain a master’s. She was also part owner of LASCO Plumbing Company during her spare time!
When her husband of 47 years passed away, her son convinced her to check out Robson Ranch. Soon after, she relocated from Chino Valley, Ariz., to a brand new house at Robson Ranch. She moved here and did not know anyone! However, it did not take long for Sandi to find her footing. She went on her first cruise to the Mexican Riviera. One of her neighbors had a rental in Hawaii, and you guessed it, she tried it out! She reports that she has met some wonderful people here. She has taken classes in fused glass, stained glass, and gourds. Please check out some of her very creative art projects! She also plays bunco, bingo, Mexican train, hand and foot, and any other game that is offered for her to learn. To round out her time, she rides her 3-wheel red trike and goes to the pool.
We are thrilled to introduce you to Sandi Martin, a most welcome addition to the Robson Ranch Gourd Club and the Robson Ranch Community!