Sandra Kay Ristine

Age 57, passed away August 28, 2021.​Preceded in death by her parents: Roger and Lila Ristine.​Born in Minneapolis and residing in Shoreview while growing up, Sandie remained an ardent Vikings fan even during her almost two decades in San Luis Obispo County, California. As a girl, she competed in gymnastics, played softball, was a Kellogg High School cheerleader, skied the top of the pyramid with the Bald Eagle Water Ski Club, downhill skied, and was aptly and affectionately nicknamed “Minnow” after taking to the water like, well, a minnow, when she learned to swim at the St. Croix River.​Sandie’s strong interest in psychology led to her studying at Hamline University and Mankato State before moving briefly to Texas by mistake and then, not so briefly, to California (1986-2005). In California she was employed by Johnston Chiropractic for six years, before finding her niche in government work, moving steadily up the ladder, starting as a traffic school clerk and ending as a court room clerk.​In 2005 she returned to Minnesota, much to the delight of her parents, and began working for the Mendota/Inver Grove Police Department as a police support specialist. She loved this job and the people she worked with. In 2011 Multiple Sclerosis dictated an early retirement, but she continued to think of her coworkers as family.​Sandie brought her joyous and enthusiastic nature to everything she did: from traveling to socializing to online shopping. She had a zillion friends and relatives who loved her and will miss her. Special thanks to cousin Kevin, Mickie, Aunt Mary and Uncle Dave, and her long-time CA friend Liz, along with the caring staff at New Perspective. Big-time thanks to her mighty and beloved Chargers, and to her earth angels JJ and Becky. She was truly blessed by these and more, all of whom made her life better.​Little sister Sandie is survived, and already missed terribly, by her older and taller sisters Barb (Steve) and Cindi (Paul). Also, by her nephews and nieces: Dayna (Sean), Tyler, Natalie, Evan (Kristin), Kyle (Ally); and her great nephews Logan and Rylan, and great niece Norah.​A casual OUTDOOR service and Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, September 26, 2021, at Island Lake Park (Shelter #2), 3611 N. Victoria St., Shoreview. Family will be present from 1:00–5:00. Service and remembrances from 2:00-2:30. Please bring a lawn chair if possible. Condolences may be sent to: S.K. Ristine c/o Mueller-Bies Funeral Home, 2130 N. Dale St., Roseville, MN 55113 and will be forwarded to Cindi and Barb.