Sandra Lee Swallow an accounting technician for the Department of Interior of Billings, MT and Fort Washakie, WY died unexpectedly on April 6, 2025, at the age of 64 near Thermopolis, WY. Sandra was born in Lander, WY on February 28, 1961to Frank “Manny” and Wilma Swallow. She grew up at the family ranch in Crowheart, WY, Columbus MT and at the Triangle X Ranch in Jackson Hole.
Sandra graduated from Wind River High School, Morton, WY in 1979. Her senior year was spent in Ronneby Sweden serving as a Rotary Exchange Student. Sandra earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wyoming in Political Science. She had a passion for researching family lineage and history, spending hours delving into her family’s past. She was an avid reader, always eager to learn and keep abreast of current affairs. Sandra’s creativity shone through in the beautiful beadwork she created which is featured at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, WY. Her artistic talents were a source of pride and joy for her and her family. Sandra’s beadwork included intricate designs and patterns that reflected her deep connection to her heritage and her love for art. She spent countless hours perfecting her craft, and her work was admired by many.
Sandra loved horses, gardening and hoped to raise mini-highlander cattle. Her Grandmother Esther Swallow instilled the value of gardening and enjoying fresh produce. Most Saturday afternoons you could find Sandra at the Farmer’s market in Billings. Sandra also loved adventure. At every opportunity she took her children on road trips to Disney Land and other fun places. She was a fun-loving person who had an enthusiastic and mischievous sense of humor like her great uncle Herbert Nelson whom she loved dearly.
Sandra was a devoted mother to her three children Anastasia St Clair, Ariana Hunter, Navy Petty Officer third Class and Hadrian Hunter. Sandra cherished and loved her grandchildren. She was so excited to see Cleo participate in gymnastics and the B boy play soccer. She was so proud of her children who are currently attending Central Wyoming College and prayed they complete their studies. Her eyes lit up with pride whenever she talked about her sailor Ariana Hunter.
Sandra worked for various agencies throughout her life including Department of Interior, dispatcher at WRPD, accountant, grants manager, tax compliance officer, insurance adjuster, and loved the adventures she shared with the late Philbert McLeod at the BLM out in the oil patch. To quote Myrna Small “Sandy lived life on her own terms”.
Sandra is survived by her mother Wilma McAdams Swallow of Fort Washakie, WY, uncle John D. Swallow (Raska) of Thailand, Godmother Minnie MacIntosh, sisters Vivian Swallow and Barbara Lock (Bill), brother Steven Swallow, Sr., children Anastasia St, Clair (Joe), Ariana Hunter of Portsmouth, VA and Hadrian Hunter, niece Jessica Swallow (Denzel), nephews Steven Swallow Jr, Ben Swallow (Breanne) of Bountiful, UT, Brandon (Anina) of Star Valley, grandchildren Braxton Hust, Cleo Brown, Clover and
Sage Swallow, Logan and Liam Swallow, Amarie Swallow and a new granddaughter due on 4/16/25. Pearl Tillman, Roxanne Synder, Claie Ware, Pam Gambler, Myrna and Fred Small, Laura Arnold, Toni Bowling, Jo’Etta Plumage, Elizabeth Friday, Larry McAdams, and numerous family members of the Swallow, Nelson, Holmgren, McAdams, Hereford, Isis, Wadda, Large, Mills, Nipper, Johnson, Aragon, Weed, Wagon, Harris, Norman, Crispin, Synder, Walks Over Ice, Old Elk, Hendricks, Coando and Tillman.
Sandra was proceeded in death by her paternal grandparents John and Esther (Nelson) Swallow, maternal grandparents William and Tillie (Zambesi) McAdams, father Frank “Mannie” Swallow, uncles Gary Swallow and Baby Boy McAdams, aunts Ellen McAdams, Lydia Harris, Betha Norman, brothers Ricki McAdams, Shawn and Ethan Swallow and sister Valerie Mesteth, ex-husband James Hunter and numerous other relatives. The family hoped to include all relatives and apologize if we forgot someone.
Services will be held at 10 am Friday, April 11, 2025, at the Shoshone episcopal mission in Fort Washakie Wyoming.