Sandra Kathryn Heath Flinders

Sandra Kathryn Heath Flinders of Park City, Utah, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the age of 88.

Sandy was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Tom C. and Kathryn Heath. She grew up on Mountair Drive, where she made many cherished memories and lifelong friends. Her childhood was filled with Bee’s baseball games with her dad, years of figure skating lessons, training and performances. She worked as a waitress in nearby restaurants and at an ice cream shop and still made time to learn the piano.

In 1955, Sandy graduated from Olympus High School in Salt Lake City and went on to study journalism at the University of Utah. She met the love of her life, Mel Flinders, during a fun-filled weekend at Flinders Mountain Meadow Ranch in Park City. The two were married on July 6, 1956, and later sealed in the LDS temple. This year marked their 69th wedding anniversary.

As an only child, Sandy had always longed for siblings. When she married into the Flinders family, she gained a big, loving family who embraced her as one of their own. She and Mel were blessed with seven children and a lifetime of adventures together.

Sandy was the quiet strength behind her family’s many endeavors. She supported Mel in all of their business ventures and was the backbone of her family, rarely seeking the spotlight but always providing unwavering support. She was tough — both physically and mentally — and approached every challenge with calmness, clarity, and grace.

Service was a central theme throughout Sandy’s life. While being a wife and mother was always her greatest joy, she also worked hard in their various family businesses. She worked in the restaurant at Mountain Meadow Ranch, kept the books for the tire and long-haul transportation business, and prepared countless delicious meals for the Ranch and the sod farm. She enjoyed all the animals and activities that the Ranch had to offer. She baked many treats for school functions, sewed more dresses, costumes, clothes, and quilts than can be counted, and spent countless hours driving children, grandchildren, friends, and neighbors to and from activities. Sandy’s answer to anyone in need was always “yes.” She supported school projects from kindergarten through college, was a beautiful writer, and enjoyed doing crafts. She was there on the sidelines for football and basketball games, cheerleading, skating, and dance competitions, and always waited up at night until everyone was home safe.

A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sandy served lovingly in many callings throughout her life. She cherished her Relief Society sisters, and they cherished her in return. She lived her life humbly, with deep honesty, humor, and unconditional love. Even in her later years as she bravely faced Alzheimer’s, her gentle, caring nature continued to shine through. Her family is profoundly grateful to the caregivers who supported and loved her during those years.

Sandy loved children and was so proud of her family. She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength in the lives of her 3 sons and 4 daughters (one son preceded her in death), 23 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Tom C. and Kathryn Heath, and her son, M. Cory Flinders. She is survived by her husband G. Melvin Flinders and children Shelly (Tom) Martinez, Susan (Harvey) McComb, Vanette (Darrick) Olsen, Tom Flinders, Chad (Kami) Flinders, and Jamie (Matt) Oman.

Sandy will be remembered for her selflessness, quiet strength, creativity, kindness, humor, and unwavering love. She was the rock of her family and will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her.

Services will be provided by Walker Mortuary at the Trailside LDS Chapel located at 510 Silver Summit Parkway, Park City, UT with a viewing on Thursday, 10/23 between 6:00-7:30 PM. Another viewing will be held Friday, 10/24 between 10:45-11:45 AM, followed by a funeral service at Noon. Saturday, 10/25 at Noon will be an interment service at Wasatch Lawn, 3300 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, UT.