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Sandra Brier

February 5, 1949 - September 30, 2020

Sandra Lee Brier passed away Wednesday, September 30th in Des Moines, IA due to complications from ALS. Sandy was born February 5th, 1949, in Fargo, North Dakota to Ames and Avis Skolness. She grew up on a North Dakota farm and later moved to Valley City, ND. On February 20th, 1972, she married Kirby Brier in Valley City and they enjoyed 48 wonderful years together. They raised three children, Tanner, Lenen and Ryal. Sandy was a stay-at-home mom and later taught as a Family & Consumer Science middle school teacher with Des Moines Public Schools.

Sandy lived her life full of love, often rockin’ her red accessories. She was an avid boater on Saylorville Lake, enjoyed sewing/quilting for family and friends, donated over 28 gallons of blood through the years, made some mean chili for hundreds of band kids, had a mom whistle you could hear from BLOCKS away, enjoyed working the Iowa State Fair every summer and absolutely loved being the best grandma to her seven grandkids. She was known for her infectious smile, a positive attitude, zest for wearing Hawaiian flowers in her hair, and making homemade potato salad & apple pies. She was a prideful lady who was very proud of her family.

Sandy was preceded in death by her mother, Avis; and her father, Ames. She is survived by her husband, Kirby; son, Tanner (Mika) Brier (Portland, OR); daughter, Lenen (Bill) Hoofnagle (Excelsior, MN); son, Ryal (Theresa) Brier (Liberty, MO); brother, Jim Skolness (Denver, CO); sister, Brenda (Mike) Schell (Valley City, ND); mother-in-law, Lois Brier (Valley City, ND); two nieces, Lindsey and Kylie; five nephews, Jarrod, Gabe, Nick, Roman, and Patrick; and seven grandchildren, Layton, Cadence, Sadie, Kallen, Kiseo, Anika, and Kembry.

Visitation will be held 5-7pm on Monday, October 5th, at Memorial Services of Iowa with a prayer service to follow at 7pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to your local food pantry or animal shelter.