Sandra Lynn (Kraft) Ampha

March 30, 1970 – December 30, 2024

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Sandra Lynn (Kraft) Ampha, 54, of Apache Junction passed away on December 30, 2024 following a brave battle with cancer.

Sandra was born in Phoenix on March 30, 1970. She was a 1987 graduate of Washington High School and earned her Bachelors of Arts in Education from Arizona State University in 1992. She later earned her Masters of Education from Northern Arizona University. Over 32 years she taught generations of children in Mesa Public Schools, coached cheer/spiritline, advised student council, mentored new teachers, and served in leadership roles in the mathematics department.

Sandra progressed through the ranks of Girl Scouts beginning as a Brownie and rising to Senior with a Gold Award. Some of her fondest memories were from being a counselor and archery specialist at Camp Maripai for many years. As an adult she served as a troop leader and was named a Volunteer of Excellence in 2020. Her life-long commitment to “be a sister to every Girl Scout” was recognized in 2023 with an appreciation pin for outstanding service in Mesa Girl Scouts.

Her welcoming nature, friendly personality, and pride in her Irish heritage were recognized in 1988 when Sandra was named Ms. Congeniality in the Arizona Colleen Pageant. She loved all things Disney, especially her trips to Disneyland and Walt Disney World, her experiences on the Disney cruises both for her honeymoon and to celebrate her son’s recent graduation, and her job at the Disney Store in the 1990s.

Sandra is survived by her husband of 25 years, David Ampha, and their children Ryan and Hannah. Also surviving are her parents, Rory and Kathleen (Paul) Kraft of Phoenix, brother Rory Jr (Carolyn) Kraft of York, PA, and their children Sadie and Bee. Also surviving are aunts and uncles, cousins, and close friends who were like family. She will be missed by many and remembered by thousands.

In her last days, Sandra was looking forward to seeing in heaven the many family and friends who pre-deceased her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in her name to MD Anderson’s Patient Assistance Program Banner Health , or Sunshine Acres.

A Funeral Mass will be held on February 5th at 3:30 pm at St. George Roman Catholic Parish in Apache Junction. A rosary service will occur at 3pm before the mass. After the mass a memory box will be available for anyone who wishes to leave a photo, note, or small memento to share a fond or comforting memory with Sandra’s family.
A private interment is planned for Mountain View Cemetery in Mesa.