Sandra "Sandy" Lee Thomason Reitz

SALISBURY – Sandra “Sandy” Lee Thomason Reitz, 74, passed away peacefully at her home Thursday night (November. 23, 2017) after her long battle with dementia. Her husband of 51 years, Richard A. Reitz, was by her side to comfort her through her last moments of life. Born July 3, 1943 in Charlotte, N.C. to Alfred and Peggy Thomason, Sandy was a graduate of Garinger High School in Charlotte and received her bachelor’s degree in sociology from UNC Greensboro. She received her master’s degree in social work from UNC Chapel Hill. Her 45+ year career in social work began as case worker (in 1965) and ended as Assistant Director of Social Services at the Rowan County Department of Social Services. She helped and provided much needed relief and security to countless families, especially children, in and around the Rowan County area for many years. While small in stature, her charming southern wit and caring personality was almost superhuman, as were her strong feelings for Carolina Basketball. Sandy was your consummate community leader, especially after her retirement from DSS. She was on the boards of Altrusa, the Bureau of Youth Services, the Rowan County Planning Board and heavily involved in Rowan County Food Distribution. In addition, she was a critical influencer and long-time member of the Rowan County Democratic Committee. If DSS was the focus in her working life, politics and supporting the Democratic Party was the focus in her retired life. Whether it was campaigning for local and national democratic candidates or managing local county commissioner campaigns, Sandy was known for her analytical prowess and ability to debate the issues. But more importantly she was known for her ability to “listen” to all sides, and respected other viewpoints even if they went against her ideals, a trait that is sorely missed in today’s political agenda. Sandy will be deeply missed by her son Charles “Allen” Reitz, his wife Jane and her two grandchildren, Charlie and Emma. In addition, she is survived by her sister Patricia “Pat” Kolb, her cousins Terri Beck and Robert Barber as well as her niece Helen Worster and nephews Mark and Scott Kolb. She is preceded in death by her sister Elizabeth “Betty” Worster. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017 at 2:00 PM at the Summersett Memorial Chapel, 1315 W. Innes St., Salisbury, N.C. The service will be conducted by Rev. Dr. Mark Conforti of First United Methodist Church in Salisbury. A gathering will take place immediately after the services. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that all memorials can be sent in Sandy’s name to Rowan County Youth Services Bureau at 1322 S. Fulton St., Salisbury, N.C. 28144. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Reitz family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Sandra "Sandy" Lee Thomason Reitz

July 3, 1943 - November 23, 2017