Sandy graduated from Indiana Joint High School (1959) and furthered her education at Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing, in Pittsburgh graduating as a Registered Nurse. Sandy had a lengthy career with Riverside Health System (1986-2006).  While at Riverside, she developed a lifelong love of coffee, earning the nickname “Hook” from coworkers who noticed her distinctive way of holding a cup.  Even as other memories faded, her pride in her nursing career remained vivid and cherished.

Sandy’s life took on a new adventure in 1960 when she married Larry Ober, sharing 64 years of marriage characterized by a steadfast partnership.  Throughout Larry’s Air Force career, Sandy navigated life across the country with stops in Texas, Hawaii, and Florida, until they made their final home in Virginia.  They remained inseparable until Larry’s passing in April 2025.

Sandy was also preceded in death by her two sons, Shanon (January 2025) and Chad (October 2020), two grandsons, Joshua and Ean, her parents, Gabriel and Emma Benamati, her sister Jeanne Moranski and brother Robert Benamati.

Sandy is survived by two sons, Lauren and his wife, Ellen, of Gloucester, VA and Kory and his wife, Susan, of Knoxville, TN.   She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and her sister, Bonnie Naman and sister-in-law, Verla Boyle.

The family would like to thank the staff of Riverside Health (especially Sharon Bishop, NP) as well as Sandy’s caregiver, Jennifer Owens, for their professional and compassionate care. The Cremation Society of Virginia’s Newport News office is handling the cremation services.

The family will honor her memory with a private gathering at a later date.