Sandra Noakes Obituary

Sandra Dee Noakes, a resident of American Fork, Utah, passed peacefully from this life at the age of 88 years on January 19, 2025. Sandra was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on November 12, 1936 to Beatrice and David Noakes. She spent a happy childhood in Centerville, Utah, studied Physical Education at both the University of Utah and Brigham Young University (where she earned an MA degree), but then lived the greater part of her adult life in Pocatello, Idaho.

Sandra enjoyed a successful career as a professor at Idaho State University, teaching courses in aquatics, sports and sociology. Always eager to serve others, she took on many leadership roles during her career, including president of the Idaho Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, in numerous positions in Delt Kappa Gamma, and as the head of the Idaho State University Professional Women's organization. In addition, she was always a champion for greater opportunities for female athletes, coaches and educators-and received a number of accolades for these efforts: "Distinguished Service Awards" and "Woman of Achievement" in her professional organizations; the honor of serving as the grand marshal of the ISU Homecoming parade in 2004; and induction into the Idaho State Sports Hall of Fame.

Throughout her life, Sandra was committed to improving local communities, our nation, and the planet. For starters, she used her sense of humor, social intelligence and determination to play a key role in championing the rights of women in academia and sports, helping to pass and introduce the Title IX initiative that gave equal opportunities to young men and women at the college level. Beyond the university, she had a passion for progressive politics, volunteering for grass roots political organizations, advocating for the less fortunate or marginalized in our society, and giving generously throughout her life to many worthy charities. Sandra will be remembered fondly by her extended family as a kind, intelligent and generous aunt. She was always eager to teach sports, lend books and offer a lifetime of wisdom to nieces and nephews. Sandra will also be remembered for her love of travel, as she took many of her nieces and nephews on rambling excursions throughout the American West with her dog Trixie in an iconic, red camper van.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Beatrice Rodeback Noakes; her father, David Oakley Noakes; her sister, Darlene Noakes Randall; and brother, David Noakes.

She is survived by her younger sister, Jaycene Noakes Soper; brother-in-law, Ed Soper; sister-in-law, Marianne Noakes; brother-in-law, Ron Randall; and many loving nieces, nephews, friends, colleagues, high school and college students.

No funeral services will be held. In her memory we would invite you to donate to your favorite charity or to one of Sandra's favorite charities: Utah Valley Refugees https://utahvalleyrefugees.org/donate/

Family and friends are invited to share memories of Sandra at utahvalleyfuneral.com