Sandra Jean Foster

     Sandra Jean "Sande" Foster age 77, of Crystal, MI, passed away Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Laurels of Fulton, Perrinton, MI.
      A time of sharing and music will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home.
      Sandra was born in Alma, Michigan on April 24, 1948, the daughter of George and Donna (Orwig) Backes. Sande graduated from Alma High School and obtained an Associate’s Degree from Davenport College. Sande married Phillip Foster on March 1, 1969, in Ithaca, MI. She had many jobs throughout the years: Bank of Alma, Godley's Country Floral, Schnepp Senior Care Center and spent many years volunteering at South Elementary. She was very artistic and crafty. She made Christmas decorations and ornaments for family and friends. Family was most important to her and she spent lots of time with her grandchildren Gage, Ian and Ellie.
     She is survived by her husband Phillip Foster of Crystal, MI; her daughter Trina (Aaron) Schall of Sumner, MI; her daughter Michelle Foster of Lansing, MI and her brother Michael Backes of Indiana. She is also survived by 6 grandchildren: Gage & Kennedy Schall, Ian Schall, Elise Schall, Richard Paul, Lance Paul, and Elizabeth Foster. Sande was preceded in death by her parents George and Donna Backes, "grandparents" Reva and Jim Rummer and her sisters: Vickie and Pam.
      Memorials may be made to GAIN (Gratiot Animals In Need). Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.