Sandra Lee Essig, 44

Sandra Lee Essig died in her sleep July 30, 2016, at her home in Billings. She was 44.

Sandi was born April 9, 1972, in Oregon City, Oregon. She spent her childhood on the family farm in Central Oregon, which she loved.

As a young adult, Sandi moved to Montana to be near her sister Patti, while she raised her daughter Elizabeth. It was in the Flathead Valley that she found both of her lifelong loves — her desire to help people with disabilities, and her husband Shae. Sandi was known for her charm, quick wit, her love of people and her compassion. These are qualities that gave her the drive to seek out and help people and that have endeared her to all that knew her.

Sandi and Shae expanded their family with the addition of Tyler and relocated to Billings. She was very happy in Billings and recently expressed pride in where she lived and the love that was abundant in her home.

She is survived by her husband Shae Spilker, and her son Tyler Spilker of Billings, her daughter Elizabeth Essig of Jacksonville, Florida; her father, Bill Essig, of Bly, Oregon; her brother and sister, Terry Click and Patti Nicholas of Bigfork; one granddaughter, five nieces and nephews, and three great-nieces and -nephews.

A private memorial service will held by the family at a time to be determined.