Melva Faye Sandquist

Melva Faye Sandquist, 75, of Grand Island, NE died on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the Stolley Park Church of Christ in Grand Island, with Pastor Trevon Buchanan officiating. Burial will follow in the Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 9 AM and continue till the start of the service. Memorials are suggested to the family to be designated at a later date.

Melva was born on March 31,1951, in Grand Island, NE to Robert and Thelma (Andrews) Umbenhower. She grew up in Grand Island and received her education at Grand Island Public Schools and graduated with the class of 1969.

Melva was united in marriage to Wesley S. Sandquist on May 16,1969, in Grand Island, NE at the Stolley Park Church of Christ. After which the couple lived in Grand Island until 1980, when they moved to Phillips, NE. In May of 1994, the couple renewed their marriage vows at the Stolley Park Church of Christ on their 25th wedding anniversary.

She was employed by Goodwill Industries and Skagway’s Bakery.

Melva was an outstanding athlete in her younger years. Her father coached her softball team, and she was a shortstop and pitcher. Her love of softball ultimately helped found the ABCDD softball program in Grand Island along with other families. Melva was also a part of the 1967-68 debut and NSAA’s first season of girls track and field at GISH. Breaking many track records in school she was a female athlete before females were allowed to push the initiative to allow girls to participate in all sports. She enjoyed camping, fishing, and gardening. She was a huge sports fan, especially the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Chicago Cubs. Melva was an avid animal lover, her favorites were; horses, pigs, birds, dogs and most of all her dog Skippy.

More than anything Melva loved her family and friends. She spoke often to others about her children and how beyond proud of the number of grandchildren and great grandchildren she had! She would also add that her first great-great grandchild was on the way.

Melva is survived by her son, Wesley J. Sandquist of St Paul, NE; daughters: Jennifer (Mark) Burke of Missoula, MT, Leanna (Stephen) Medinger of Jefferson, CO, and Elizabeth Collier of Missoula, MT; grandchildren: Heather (Josh) Lichtenstein, Wes (Dyami) Sandquist, Benjamin (Jordan) Sandquist, Jamie (Isaiah) Lobdell, Quinton Sandquist, Tadd (Tilly) Pearson, Tannah Pearson, Zach Pearson, Faith Pearson, Alexandria Sandquist, Spencer Medinger, Kylie (Brode) Bullington, Hannah Hartford, Juileanna Hartford, Bailey Hartford, Anton Flores, Royce Collier and Rylon Collier; 24 great grandchildren; brother: Earl (Lianne) Umbenhower; and sisters-in-law: Jeannie Nouzousky, Mary Mulinix, Judy Platt and Amy and Paul Pennington.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Wesley S. Sandquist; parents: Robert and Thelma (Andrews) Umbenhower; father and mother-in-law: Wesley L. and Jeanie (James) Sandquist; three sisters-in-law; a brother-in-law; and several nieces and nephews.