Sandra ‘Sam’ R. Hankinson, age 68, of 8102 W.5 Road in Rapid River, MI (Ensign Twp.), passed away Saturday, May 13, 2017 at her home in Rapid River. She was born on July 4, 1948 in South Bend, IN, the daughter of Richard and Betty (Hendrickson) Comden. Sam was raised in Bryan, OH and graduated from Bryan High School in 1966. Following high school, Sam moved to Sturgis, MI where she was very active in children’s ministry. Sam moved to Salem, OR in 1983 to attend Chemeketa Community College where she received her Associate of Arts Degree in 1988. While at Chemeketa College, she was involved in stage performing, and was active in music, both performing and writing. Sam was successful in children’s and senior ministry throughout the state of Oregon. In 1989, Sam received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from George Fox College in Newberg, Oregon. She worked as a case manager for senior citizens in Oregon for 20 years. The former Sandra ‘Sam’ Comden married Garry DeVries and he preceded her in death in 2004. In 2006, she moved to Zion, IL when she married George Hankinson. Together, they were members of Lakeview Church where they served in the choir. She also sang with various bands in the area, including, the Lakeview Church Band and the Chicago Christian Band. Sam gave back to her community by engaging in nursing home ministries in the area. Sam was an avid animal lover and loved to travel in her motor home. She was a “people person” and enjoyed visiting with family and friends. Sam was a member of the Capital Baptist Church in Portland, OR and the Rapid River Congregational Church. 

Sandra ‘Sam’ R. Hankinson is survived by husband, George Hankinson of Rapid River; 4 step-children, Tonya Kay (Michael) Basler of MO, Daniel (Jennifer) Hankinson of TX, Jenny Hankinson of MT, and Dennis (Jessica) Hankinson of WI; 11 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; mother, Betty Webb of South Bend, IN; sister, Sherole (James) Beckman of OR; brother, Richard (Jane) Comden of Niles, MI; and several nieces and nephews. 

Sandra was preceded in death by her first husband, Garry DeVries; brother, Charles Comden; birth father, Raymond Braden; and adopted father, Richard Comden. 

Memorial services celebrating the life of Sandra ‘Sam’ Hankinson will be held at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at the Rapid River Congregational Church in Rapid River, MI with Rev. William Rafuse officiating. A luncheon will be served following the funeral services in the church fellowship hall. Memorials may be directed to the Human Society, Salvation Army, Gideon Bibles, or the Daily Bread (devotional booklets). 

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