Sandy Arlene Gould

Sandra Arlene “Sandy” Montgomery was born in Rupert, Idaho to Clayton Carold and Vi Stout Montgomery on September 27, 1942, joining her big brother J.D.

Vi married Eugene Shaub in 1949, and her siblings Linda, Denise and Dennis joined the family. Sandy’s youth was spent in many different parts of Idaho, including Mackay, Shoshone, and Tuttle. While living in Cobalt, Sandy was sent to a Catholic boarding school in Missoula, Montana. The family eventually settled in Buhl where she met and married Jim Stewart at the age of 18.

Sandy and Jim welcomed their 4 children, Terry, Jamie, Jeff, and Che’rie into their home and farm on Clear Lakes Road. When Jamie brought his friend Butch Shields home, Sandy and Jim added him to the fold and their family was complete. Sandy raised the children with a firm hand and abundance of love. She supported all of their activities, making queening outfits for Terry and Che’rie, Halloween costumes for the entire family, and following them to all of their rodeo and sports events. The kids were surrounded with love, laughter, dancing, horses and pets, and the freedom to run in the countryside of Buhl. She was active in the JayCeettes and the community of Buhl. She worked full time at the Buhl Country Club, then Clear Springs Trout, all while raising the 5 kids and Jim!

Sandy became Meme when her first grandchild was born and was known by Meme to most of the family. She later welcomed 20 grandchildren, 26 great-grandkids and recently a great-great grandson.

After Sandy and Jim divorced in 2001, she moved to Boise and worked at Micron. She later purchased a house in Mountain Home and resided there until her death. It was there that she met and married Jimmy Gould on August 8, 2008, and welcomed his children Jack and Johnny and their 4 daughters to her family. Sandy and Jimmy were members of the American Legion in Mountain Home and volunteered to help the boy scouts at Camp Wilson every year. They enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping together.

Sandy was known for her artistic talent, painting, crafting, and decorating her home. She had a huge Christmas village that she created and put on display each year, along with her other extravagant decorations. She loved flowers and had a beautiful garden. In short, she loved to be surrounded by beautiful things.

Sandy’s health slowly deteriorated in the last several years after a diagnosis of congestive heart failure. She was in and out of the hospital but remained independent and sassy to the end. She passed away at Jamie and Lori’s home on June 23, 2026, surrounded by her 5 kids and close family. She leaves behind a legacy of love and family and will be greatly missed.

Sandy is survived by her sisters, Linda Simer and Denise (Gary) Funderburg; her brother, Dennis Shaub; 5 children: Terry (Donny) Thompson, Jamie (Lori) Stewart, Jeff (Stefanie) Stewart, Che’rie Stewart, and Butch (Heather) Shields; stepsons, Jack and Johnny Gould; 20 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandson. She was preceded in death by her brother, J.D. Marker, her grandson, Jeffrey Stewart and several brothers and sisters-in-law.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 11am at Farmer’s Funeral Chapel, 130 9th Ave North, Buhl, Idaho, followed by internment at the Buhl Cemetery.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Sandy’s memorial webpage at www.farmerfuneralchapel.com.