Sandra Ryan Stanley was born February 24, 1940, in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, to Mary Emma
Ryan and John H. Frott, known as Jack. When she was three months old, the family returned to
Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. Her father worked for the federal government, and by the time Sandra
was three years old, the family had lived in four different states.
Sandra graduated from Prattville High School in Autauga County, Alabama. She lived with her
grandmother in Tuscaloosa while attending the University of Alabama, founded in 1831. In 1963,
she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. While at the University of Alabama,
Sandra worked for the Alabama Highway Department and was one of only 13 women in the
engineering program at the time, contributing to the design of major highway systems.
Following graduation, Sandra began her professional career as a land developer in Cape Coral,
Florida. In 1964, she was transferred to Helena, Montana, where she worked as an interstate
highway designer. She arrived with three bikinis and experienced her first Montana
snowfall—thirteen inches—within two weeks, marking her introduction to winter climates.
Sandra continued highway design work in Montana until April 1966, when she relocated to Pasco,
Washington, to serve as Assistant City Engineer. During her tenure, she designed significant
portions of the city’s water, sewer, and street infrastructure, including the roadway serving Columbia
Basin College and the airport terminal.
In April 1966, Sandra met Alan Stanley at a city engineering conference. Alan was an architectural
engineer. They were married six months later, on October 28. Together, Sandra and Alan worked
as consultants in subdivision development and municipal water and sewer projects for the City of
Pasco.
In 1982, Sandra joined Kaiser Engineers at the Hanford site, where she worked as an engineer on
the potable water system. She retired from Kaiser Engineers in 1989.
Sandra was actively involved in the Mid-Columbia Symphony and was a devoted member of
Meadow Springs Country Club, where she participated in the Ladies Bridge Group. She was also a
lifelong member of the PTO.
Sandra and Alan traveled extensively, skiing and golfing throughout Europe and collecting data,
furnishings, and cookbooks from around the world. They shared an interest in architecture, fine
food, and travel. In 1989, Sandra suffered a fracture that ended her skiing and golfing activities.
Alan Stanley died in 2000, marking the loss of the love of her life.
Sandra is survived by her sister-in-law, Anna Trout; five nieces and nephews; ten great-nieces and
great-nephews; and by her longtime friends Connie, Franki, and Helen. She was preceded in death
by her parents and by her brother, Steve Trout.
Sandra Ryan Stanley is remembered for her intelligence, independence, and lasting professional
contributions to civil engineering, community infrastructure, and civic life. Her work remains present
in the communities she helped build.