Sandra K. (Schmidt) Tarbox, 73, of Huron, South Dakota, passed away Wednesday, December 2, 2020, with her four children at her side. She spent her final days under the compassionate care of her "work family" at Huron Regional Medical Center. In the midst of her lengthy fight with cancer, she continued her life's passion caring for others, working her final shift as a nurse at HRMC in November.

Sandra Kathryn Schmidt was born in Aberdeen, South Dakota, on March 18, 1947, to Henry and Mary (Haines) Schmidt. She was the second of ten children.

Sandy married Dick Quam in 1966, and they had four children: Jeff (Jana) Quam, Sioux Falls, Christie Case,Tucson, AZ, Julie Buss, Hudson, WI, and Dan (Stacy) Quam, Huron. Her marriage to Roger Tarbox brought two step-children into her life: Tara Tarbox, Huron, and Troy Tarbox, Huron.

Sandy understood as a child that her purpose in life was to give to others and began her journey in nursing at Presentation College in Aberdeen where she graduated in 1975, with an Associate Degree in Science and Nursing.

She worked at St. Luke's Hospital in Aberdeen from 1973-1979. These were some of her most difficult yet fulfilling years as she juggled raising four children, daytime classes and coursework, and night shifts as a nurse's aide, while completing her degree at Presentation with highest honors.

When the family moved to Huron in 1979, Sandy began her 41-year career at HRMC. Sandy's knowledge and compassionate, hands-on care were evident throughout her time in Huron. "Tarbox" led by example and dedicated herself to instructing her nurses in the proper ways to provide high-quality care. She believed continuing education was a necessity and received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Northern State University in 1996, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from South Dakota State University in 1999. In her final days at HRMC, this time as a patient, Sandy's dedication and compassion were repaid ten-fold in the loving care she received from her HRMC family.

Sandy was the foundation of her large family. She kept in close touch with her seven brothers and her sister and looked forward to family reunions in Chamberlain over the 4th of July. Much like her career, Sandy's private life was filled with joy, devotion, compassion, and giving to those she loved.

Sandy was the matriarch of a family that includes eleven grandchildren: Katie (Adam) Bovee, Christoffer (Amanda) Hanson, Zach (Hailey) Quam, Jordan (Jade) Quam, Michael Case, Lexi Quam, Adam Buss, Joshua Case, Steven Buss, Leah Quam, and Nicholas Case; seven great-grandchildren: Hannah Whitmer, Nola Leathers, Logan Welding, Silas Bovee, Evelyn Bovee, Holly Callaghan, and Keynai Quam; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins who were also blessed to have shared Sandy in their lives.

Sandy was preceded in death by her parents and her infant brother, John Schmidt.

A memorial visitation was held at Kuhler Funeral Home in Huron, on December 12, 2020, from 1pm to 4pm.

A celebration of life will be held in Aberdeen at a future date.

In lieu of flowers family requests donations be made to the Huron Regional Medical Center Foundation . We are forever grateful to HRMC for the love, respect, and compassion they gave Sandy during her final days.

View Sandy's Floral Arrangements