Sandra Orton

Sandra Louise Lemmon Orton, 87, passed away on January 29, 2026. She was born in Pocatello, Idaho to Gerald Eugene Lemmon and Margaret Shirley Walton Lemmon on February 20, 1938.

Sandra attended school in Pocatello graduating from Pocatello High School in 1956, and BYU in 1959 with a degree in speech and music. She lived in San Francisco, CA then settled back in Pocatello, Idaho.

On February 10, 1961, she married Kenneth James Orton, and they were sealed in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on May 29, 1966. Together they raised four children, Cheryl Jean, Kent James, Paul Vene, and Robert Lynn: later adopting two grandchildren, Jeannie C., and Jennifer Dawn.

Over the years, Sandra worked at different jobs. Early on when her children were young, she was a teacher at Tyhee Elementary School, then she and Ken owned and ran a ceramic shop for several years called K & S Ceramics, then finishing out her working career at Mikes Music.

Sandra was involved in Camerata Singers, ISU Symphony, Pocatello Music Club and the Toast Mistress groups.

Sandra has always loved music. She had a beautiful alto voice and played several different instruments; violin, piano, recorder flute and she was most famous for her talent in playing the autoharp. She spent several years entertaining residents as she strummed on her autoharp and sang songs of all genres, some she even wrote herself. She also enjoyed doing latch-hook, children’s literature, poetry and conducting. Sandra was an advocate for those who suffered from, and for those who cared for individuals of, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. This was something that was near and dear to her heart, where she spent years researching and learning as much as she could about it. She even wrote an educational book called FAS: A Cry For Help, as well as a novel, Wanting To Live. This path eventually led her to organize and run a local grief support group. The group is still active meeting every Tuesday at Elmers.

She was an amazing woman who was loved so much, and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Sandra is survived by her sons, Kent (Tammy) Orton, Paul Orton, and Robert Orton; brothers, David (Anna) Lemmon, and Doug (Kathy) Lemmon; granddaughters, Ashli, and Kristen; and grandson, Justin; many great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Shirley Lemmon; sister, Shirley Jean Smith; husband, Kenneth Orton; daughters, Kaylene Orton and Cheryl Jean Orton; and granddaughters, Jeannie Orton and Jennifer Orton.

A special thank you to Heritage Hospice and the wonderful individuals at Monte Vista Care Center for all the love and care given to Sandra.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Wilks Colonial Chapel, 2005 S. 4th Avenue, Pocatello, ID with burial following at Mountain View Cemetery, 1520 S. 5th Avenue, Pocatello, ID.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to FASD United by clicking here.

Memories and condolences may be shared using the Guestbook below.