Rita Hansen (Tripp) Sandman, 93, of Granville died peacefully at her home on Wednesday, April 19, 2017, one day after what would have been her 72nd wedding anniversary. She was born on May 13, 1923 to the late Robert H. and Mabel (Hansen) Tripp and was a lifelong resident of Granville. Rita was a school bus driver for the town of Granville for twenty-one years. She was a former Auxiliary President at the Southwick VFW.She was an avid gardener and enjoyed horseback riding, watching her birds, hunting, and baking homemade pies. She loved nature and  her time spent on “The Mountain” in her blueberry lot. Rita was the widow of George E. Sandman who died in 2004. After 50 + years of marriage he still referred to her as his bride! Rita leaves her children, Ernest R. Sandman of Hollywood, FL, Rita M. LaVertue of Westbrook CT, Gordon H. Sandman (Barbara) of Granville, and Dawnalyn Ransom (Gary) of Granville and a stepson George E. Sandman Jr. (Judy)of Dirkland,Maryland. Rita also leaves a sister, Dorothy Baker, of Chicopee, eleven treasured grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and one great- great granddaughter. She was predeceased by her brother Robert C. “Jake” Tripp and two grandchildren whom she missed dearly;  Andrew Robert Sandman and Jackie Jensen Keen.Rita has left lessons and fond memories with all that knew her. She touched many lives in her 93 years and she fought tirelessly to the end.  A graveside service will be held Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 11:30 AM in Silver St. Cemetery on Silver St. in Granville with a  memorial luncheon to be held following the service at the Southwick VFW from 12:30-3:30 PM. Calling hours are omitted. The family would like to sincerely thank the Granville Fire Department and in lieu of flowers, request that donations in Rita’s memory may be made to the Granville Fire Dept.  707 Main Rd. Granville, MA 01034. firtionadams.com

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