July 6, 1949 – August 21, 2026
Sandra Esther Franke Strall, spouse of Rev. Dana R. Strall (Retired Elder), age 77, of South Rockwood, Michigan, passed away peacefully at her residence on Friday, August 21, 2026.
Born July 6, 1949, in Wyandotte, Michigan, she was the daughter of Stanley and Bonnie (Gildersleeve) Franke. Sandra was a proud graduate of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she earned both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees.
Sandra devoted 43 years of her life to education, teaching English at Carlson High School in Gibraltar, until her retirement in 2015. During her distinguished career, she served as English Department Chair and advised the school yearbook.
During a sabbatical year from teaching, Sandra worked in Royal Oak, Michigan, for the Rogers/Ruffatti organ dealership, a division of CBS Musical Instruments. She was one of only two salespeople in the Royal Oak office and one of only two women in the country selling and demonstrating Rogers electronic organs and Ruffatti pipe organs. Her sales territory included the eastern half of Michigan and the top six counties in Ohio.
Music was an important part of Sandra’s life from an early age. She became a principal organist at the age of 16 and served as organist at several Methodist churches throughout Michigan. She was a member of the American Guild of Organists and later served as organist at Christ Lutheran Church in Monroe before coming to Faith United Methodist Church in Trenton.
On December 27, 1997, Sandra married Dana Strall at Flat Rock United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents and her late husband, Gary Burghard.
Sandra is survived by her beloved husband, Dana Strall; stepchildren, Tim (Michelle) Strall and Sarah Kershaw; grandchildren, Bryce Kershaw, Ny Kershaw, and Jordan Kershaw; sister, Millie (Jeffrey) Grow; nieces and nephews, Bonnie (Andy) Omler, Jacqueline (Cole) Grow Loffer , and Andrew (Kate) Grow; and great-nieces and great-nephews, Reed Omler, Stella Omler, and Henry Grow.
Visitation will be held at Bobcean Funeral Home, Flat Rock Chapel, 26307 E. Huron River Dr., Flat Rock, MI 48134, on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Faith United Methodist Church of Trenton, 2530 Charlton Road, Trenton, MI 48183, on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Rev. Tara Gay will officiate the service. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, South Rockwood, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith United Methodist Church of Trenton in Sandra’s memory.
Condolences may be shared online at Bobcean Funderal Home.
Last Updated on August 25, 2026