Sandra "Sandy" Lee (Bussone) Rodal passed away peacefully on August 9, 2025, at Cedar Creek Memory Care in Edmonds, Washington. She was 78. Sandy faced a long and courageous battle with MS and Alzheimer's. In the days before her passing, she was visited by her loving family, and at the time of her death, her daughter and hospice nurse were by her side.
Born January 25, 1947, at Cowlitz General Hospital in Longview, Washington, Sandy was the daughter of Al and Jean Bussone. She grew up in Cathlamet on Jacobsen Road with her siblings Sue, Ed, and Mary, alongside many cousins. Family life was close-knit, with gatherings, card games, and time spent with her grandparents, Maude and Bob, helping in the garden, picking peas, cucumbers, berries, and apples. Sandy attended Cathlamet Grade School and graduated from Wahkiakum High School in 1965.
In 1965, Sandy married Wayne Gross, and together they welcomed their daughter, Michelle, in 1969. In 1971 she married Jim Rodal, and their daughter Kristin was born in 1973. Sandy spent her remaining years with her longtime partner, Ron.
Sandy worked her entire career in banking, beginning at Old National Bank and Pacific Northwest Bank before retiring from Wells Fargo as an Assistant Vice President and business loan officer. She was respected for her hard work, professionalism, and care for her clients. She also volunteered with the MS Society and other organizations.
Outside of work, Sandy loved sewing, fishing, reading autobiographies, watching tennis, and traveling. Most of all, she enjoyed time with her family and friends, whether gathering for a meal or simply visiting together.
She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and zest for life. Her beautiful spirit touched everyone she met, and her legacy of love will live on in her family and friends.
Sandy is survived by her partner Ron; siblings, Sue Johnson and Ed Bussone; daughters, Michelle Gross and Kristin (Jeff) Page; grandchildren, Lindsey (Logan) Cadwell, Ashley Wade, Brooke White, Jordan Page, and River Page; and great-grandchildren, Kyler Phillips, Lyla Kimmer, Khloe Cadwell, and Hayden White. She was preceded in death by her parents, Al and Jean Bussone; her sister, Mary Luethe; and her nephew, Jay Johnson.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Dowling Funeral Home in Cathlamet, Washington. Memorial donations may be made in Sandy's honor to the MS Society or the Alzheimer's Society.
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