Sandy Mcclain

Sandra E Goodman was born in Des Moines, IA on March 22, 1941. She was the daughter of Ben and Genevieve Goodman. After high school she attended and then graduated from Drake University. She was united in marriage to James McClain, which later would end in divorce but would gain her the name that so many knew her as, Mrs. McClain.
Sandy was known to many in Madison and surrounding counties as their elementary teacher, 5th grade science teacher in Patterson, 6th grade science teacher at Scott School, or to others as their drivers ed teacher. There were many others that knew Sandy as a substitute teacher, encourager of homeschool or nature lover. She loved to plant heirloom seeds, grow the plants and harvest her own seeds. She then passed those special heirloom seeds onto children and families whom shared her love for gardening and nature. If you were ever the recipient of these seeds, you probably received orange watermelon as that was one of her favorite. She loved to share her "walking" onions with anyone who may have enjoyed them. She rarely harvested any as she had so much joy in watching them "walk".
As a young girl, Sandy dreamed of owning her own horse. That dream would come true at the age of 18. From there, Sandy loved horses so much that she had her own herd of horses. Sandy did not like to sell any of her horses, she preferred to gift them to people in the community whom she thought would take good care of them and appreciate them as much as she did. Sandy was also the secretary of the United Rodeo Association at one point. Another highlight of her life was being able to barrell race at numerous rodeos. She also spent time serving as the news reporter for the Midwest Country News. She longed to write and receive handwritten letters which truly made her heart happy.
Sandy spent many countless hours involved with and helping the 4-H program.  Some of those hours were in the backyard of a young girl who lived just up the road and wanted to learn to ride in pleasure classes. She loved to share her knowledge of horsemanship and showing. She was always an advocate for children and all animals. She even gifted a goat to one young boy for his birthday. She would never accept payment for anything she did. She truly just wanted to enrich the lives of all of the people around her.
Sandy may have never had children of her own but as you can see, she helped mold and shape so many youth in her days here on this earth.
Special thank you to the neighbor who always hayed her horses all winter long, to the one who helped with her beloved horse Imp, to those who shared thseir children with Sandy and to those who helped her with vehicles.
Left to cherish her memory is her sister Me Sah along with so many past students and community members who will always hold a special place in their hearts for Sandy. She loved a good pumpkin cookie especially when they were made by children special to her. Sandy loved to write and wanted to publish a cookbook of her own.
Friends of Sandy will hold a remembrance of her in Macksburg at the CEM building (green building on the south edge of town) on Sunday, November 6th from 2:00-4:00 pm. They will hold a cookie/bar exchange in her memory. Bring a batch of your favorite cookie or bar to exchange with others. Her favorite pumpkin cookie will be there for all to try.