URBANA:  Letha La Vonne (Hepker) Sand, age 90, died Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at Virginia Gay Hospital in Vinton.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, September 22, 2023, at St. Mary's Catholic Church Urbana, with Father Jim Brokman as Celebrant.  Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery Urbana.  Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until service time, Friday, also at the church in Urbana.  Phillips Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Letha was born on September 15, 1933, in Covington, IA, the daughter of Hubert and Thelma (Bemer) Hepker.  She became a nurse and met her future husband, Ed Sand while caring for him.  They married on September 15, 1954. They had six children.

Letha retired from Virginia Gay Hospital.  She was a long-time member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Urbana, Iowa.  She was a loving, caring, wife, mother, nurse, and friend.

Her memory is cherished by everyone who knew her.  She is survived by her 5 daughters, Teresa (Dave) Umbdenstock, Karen Thurm, Rose (Cary) Relf, Mary (Roger) Davis, Joan (Scott) Young; She had 15 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law; sister-in-law and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Husband Ed Sand; her son Bob Sand; her son-in-law; three grandchildren; two sisters; one brother and their spouses.

Online condolences: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com