Sandra Kytola

Sandra Lee Strain Kytola, age 86, of Brush Prairie, Washington, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2026, at her care home. Born on January 8, 1940, to William and Helen Strain, Sandra grew up with her brother, William P. Strain and spent her early years attending school at Memorial Lutheran School. She often reflected on those early years as a safe, carefree blessing that shaped her character. After graduating from Twin Falls High School, she moved to Oregon to attend Emanuel Hospital School of Nursing for a three-year program, where she cherished having her childhood friend nearby at Concordia University.

While at Emanuel, a roommate introduced Sandra to a quiet farm boy from Brush Prairie named Larry Kytola. After graduating in September 1961, Sandra and Larry married on October 28, 1961. They built their life together on a dairy farm in Brush Prairie and raised their children, Jeff and Bonnie. Alongside managing a busy household and a full-time nursing career, Sandra served for many years as treasurer of the Clark County Dairy Women. Fair week became a treasured tradition where she used her vacation time to volunteer in the Dairy Women’s milkshake booth and cheer on her family showing cattle.

Sandra dedicated 32 years to Southwest Washington Hospitals, starting in 1968 as a medication nurse before transitioning to an I.V. nurse. She stood at the forefront of modern oncology, helping introduce some of the very first chemotherapy drugs and participating in early clinical drug trials. Named department supervisor in 1972, she led her team with steady care for 11 years and took immense pride in mentoring nurses who built lifelong careers. As an active member of the National I.V. Therapy Association, she traveled to national conventions from Boston and New Orleans to Chicago and San Francisco, before spending the final four years of her career as a chemotherapy nurse in a new outpatient cancer unit.

After selling their dairy herd in 2001 and retiring from raising heifers in 2005, Sandra and Larry entered a joyful new chapter. They traveled on Caribbean cruises surrounded by 10 to 15 family members and cousins. At home, Sandra remained active at Bethel Lutheran Church in leadership roles and took up quilting, donating many of her handmade pieces to raise funds for the church's community teen center and Vacation Bible School programs.

She is survived by her husband, Larry of 64 years of marriage; her children, Jeff Kytola (Lori) and Bonnie Stauffer (Dennis); grandchildren, Erika Stauffer, Emily Kytola, Sam Kytola (Kayla), Trent Stauffer, Mikayla Adams (Nathaniel); great granddaughters, Lilly and Sophie Anderson; brother, William P. Strain (Pat); nieces and nephews and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Helen Strain.

A memorial service will be held on November 14 at 11 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church with a light luncheon reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Bethel Lutheran Church Memorial Fund in Sandra’s name.

The family of Sandra Kytola wishes to express their heartfelt thanks for the love and kindness shown by her care givers at Garden Place and the Hospice staff of Eden Health. We are deeply grateful.