Charlotte Jean Ewer Sanddal of Helena, at 101 years old, finished her last race on February 19, 2024. Charlotte, surrounded by family and friends, passed peacefully in her sleep after a life well-lived.
Charlotte was born August 15, 1922 in Chicago, IL, to Leonard and Bertha (Stuke) Ewer. She was an energetic tomboy that loved the outdoors and working on cars with her father. Charlotte was active in Job’s Daughters in the tradition of her mother in Eastern Star and father in the Masons. The family drove a Ford “Model T” from Illinois to tour Yellowstone in 1933 and Charlotte became forever determined to one day live “out west.” There is a wonderful picture of Charlotte as a small girl standing face-to-face with an upright bear cub!
Charlotte joined the Navy’s “Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Services” (“WAVES”) program during World War II. She trained and served in Norman, Oklahoma as a machinist’s mate, helping to build and repair Navy planes. She wore her Navy uniform (which she always said was much more stylish than the Army’s women’s service!) for the last time at a veteran’s memorial service last year and it fit like a glove.
While in the service, she met James (“Jim”) Wesley Sanddal and they married in 1946. After the war, following both their hearts, they moved to Utah to attend college on the GI Bill. Charlotte earned her bachelor’s degree in social work. They moved to Wyoming and then Boulder, Montana, following Jim’s career. Through the years, they adopted four children, Nels, Jamie, Sabrina and Vanessa. In 1965, after leaving his position as superintendent of “Boulder River School and Hospital”, the couple, along with a group of friends/investors, purchased an 1880’s hot springs resort in Boulder, then called the “Diamond S Ranchotel,” now known as “Boulder Hot Springs”. The hot springs had fallen into some disrepair but within just a couple years, they had updated the facilities and the hotel, hot spring pools and ranch operation and the hotel was booked solid for much of the year. The “Smorgasbord”, an amazing buffet dinner, served over 300 people every Saturday night, the New Year’s festivities were famous, and the hotel was filled wall to wall.
Charlotte returned to school to earn her master’s degree in social work with a certificate in gerontology in 1981 after she and Jim divorced. She then worked for the State of Montana as an inspector of nursing home facilities around the state until she retired at 72.
The next nearly 30 years were a kaleidoscope of camping, kayaking, skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking adventures all over Montana and the U.S., she traveled to many other countries, usually in an educational tour or program, in the company of at least one dear friend from among her large circle of adventurous friends and companions.
Charlotte, at 72, became a competitive swimmer as a member of the Helena “Ridley” swim team. Charlotte set records in multiple swim events over 30 years, including at least three national/international swim records in the 100–105-year-old age category just last year. The Ridley members are a right group and really became Charlotte’s second family. After a long and healthy life, a series of health setbacks afflicted Charlotte in her last year and meant the heartbreaking end of her swim career. But she continued to cheer on her teammates, and they have been a constant source of support and comfort to her.
In addition to her children, Charlotte is survived by her granddaughters Jami, Hunter and Merrill. She was preceded in death by her former husband, Jim, and her sister, Leone, and many friends and family members that she missed deeply.
In lieu of flowers, Charlotte hoped that donations might be made to the Helena Regional Sports Association “ARC” project, a multi-discipline sports center including a competitive swimming pool to be built for the Helena community. Charlotte and the Ridley swim team have been working with a multitude of others to make this dream a reality. Donate in Charlotte’s name at htps://helenasports.org/donate.
A memorial service will be held this spring, once the wonderful flowing water, flowers and grasses return to the Montana mountains Charlotte loved so much.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Jane Stewart says
Charlotte was such a lovely person. The first time I met her at the Huntsman games, I was stunned when she told me she was 95. She looked no older than 70. She was so interesting, telling me about her life beginning in Chicago, the Navy, and her many adventures. I missed her so very much at the last Huntsman Games in October and was hoping to see her again this year. She will now swim with the angels. She will not be forgotten.
Lynne Lund says
She was a sweetheart, her presence 1 of the things people say they look forward to every October. She is legend.
John Disterdick says
It was a blessing to interview her for “RedefiningAging.US” and she will always be an inspiration to all who listen to her –
Glen J Cuchine says
I first met Charlotte at Boulder River School and Hospital; that incredible smile and the warmth of her personality were so welcoming. Over the years any encounter and visit with Charlotte affirmed her love of life and all she brought to it. My deepest condolences to her family and many friends. Rest in peace, Charlotte.
Susan Olson says
Charlotte was an amazing woman. I first met her when they moved to Boulder and her son Nels was in my class in school. She was so warm and always had that big beautiful smile on her face. Condolences to all her family, soar high Charlotte.
Melody Grant says
Condolences to all of the family. So sorry to hear about Charlotte. She was surely a legend.
Mark Vosburgh says
A life well lived. My condolences to the Sanddal Family.
Samantha Humphrey says
Our deepest sympathy for your loss of your mom and grandmother.
Mike LsVigne says
Let’s not forget that Charlotte served her community as a volunteer EMT for Boulder Ambulance Service for several years. Such a thoughtful and interesting lady.
Janet Cunningham says
What an amazing woman. The Kramer family was blessed by Charlotte many times. Peace to all who are feeling her loss.
Gary Abbate says
It was a pleasure to have known Charlotte. She was what we all hope to be as an athlete and person.
Karen (Ford) Austin says
Mel’s, Jamie, Sabrina and Vanessa,
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. May your memories bring you comfort that she is in a better place and is at peace. What a wonderful life she had. I can still picture her swimming out at the Diamond S when I would stay over with Vanessa. You’re all in my thoughts and prayers.
Roeber Pixie says
She was a lovely lady I loved when she would come into the Windsor bar to visit her son James and she would show us all her medals 🏅 from swimming we where so impressed, swim with the angels now ❤
Sarah Reisz says
I live in Wales (UK) and have recently discovered swimming again (at the age of 73). It has changed my life, in ways I could never have imagined when I was younger. Charlotte was my inspiration and became my heroine. I would have loved to meet her. Just watching the videos you could tell how special she was. Somehow she radiated youth, and life and vitality – in a way, and with a directness , intelligence and genuineness, that many much younger than her lacked.
I’d like to thank you Charlotte,so much, from the bottom of my heart. I’ll miss you not being in the world and feel that a light has gone out. I’ll carry that light in me and with me I hope, especially when I swim. I will aways feel love and gratitude for what you gave.
To the family: my sorrow for your loss and my thoughts are with you. I’m sure you carry those wonderful genes! If any of you ever travel to Wales or the UK please let me know and i would love to add to the pleasure of your visit in any way that suits. With love and thanks to all of you, Sarah Reisz xxx
Sarah Reisz says
PS to my previous post:
I would love to know when Charlotte’s memorial service is held, and would very much like to be some small part of it in any way I can (if that’s not too presumptuous). I would be so grateful if anyone could let me know details nearer the time, and if there’s any way that those of us too far away to attend, could contribute.
Many thanks again
Sarah x
Bruci Ann Hall says
I met Charlotte when I began my career in Social Work and at Boulder River School And Hospital. Charlotte was a dedicated professional and an inspiration to many of us. I last saw Charlotte 2 years ago and we had such a great time reminiscing and catching up
Charlotte will be missed by all of us whose lives she touched, RIP my dear friend
Richard G Pallister says
Charlotte was the wonderful mother of my good friend, Nels. Our families shared a lot since both dads administrators at Boulder River School and Hospital. After they acquired the Diamond S I worked there as a bartender and Charlotte was always present, always smiling even when she was cracking the whip!