Sandra J. "Sandy" Blackstone

Sandra J. “Sandy” Blackstone, age 83, of Dalton, and formerly of New Philadelphia, passed away Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Dalton’s Shady Lawn Nursing Home.

Born March 3, 1941, in Cambridge, she was the daughter of the late Clyde and Thelma (Vessels) Blackstone. Sandy moved with her family at a young age to Richville in Stark County and attended Perry Local Schools. She was later employed by the former Morning View Nursing Home in New Philadelphia. Sandy volunteered for years at the Tuscarawas County Senior Center wrapping silverware for lunches and parties, as well as working in the dishroom and as a server. She was a member of the Dover Eagles and the New Philadelphia Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary.

Sandy loved all animals, but especially cats - caring for many over the years and giving of her time at the former Cats ‘n’ Us Shelter in New Philadelphia. She was also fond of anything that had to do with Elvis Presley, at one time having a whole room in her home dedicated to Elvis, which contained photos, records and keepsakes. Sandy also liked to sing karaoke to many of Elvis’ songs.

She will be dearly missed by her children, Christine Casey of Dalton, and Dwight Newsom of Canton; her grandchildren, Corine Valentine, Christina Hilley, Meagan Vierheller, Blake Newsom and Courtney Frontz; her five great-grandchildren; her one great-great-grandchild; and her nieces and nephew.

Besides her parents, Sandy was preceded in death by her brother, Jack Blackstone; her long-time friends, William Harrison and Fred Sears; and her very special cat, Blackie.

Family and friends are invited to call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory, Dover, on Thursday, May 30, 10 - 11 a.m. A funeral service will follow at 11. Burial will be in Zion Cemetery, Westland Township, Guernsey County.

Sandy’s family requests that, instead of flowers, donations in her memory be made to any good animal shelter.