Longtime Iowa Art Therapist Gloria Sandoval Dies at 69

Sandoval, known as 'Sam' Erwin, was a military spouse and youth minister before finding her passion in art therapy.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:13pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, out-of-focus photograph in warm, hazy tones depicting art supplies, gardening tools, and travel mementos, conceptually representing the multifaceted life and interests of Gloria Sandoval.The vibrant life and creative passions of art therapist Gloria Sandoval are captured in this dreamlike, impressionistic portrait.Tooele Today

Gloria Sandoval (Jeanette 'Sam' Erwin), a 69-year-old art therapist from West Des Moines, Iowa, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family. Born in Tooele, Utah in 1956, Sandoval served in the U.S. Army, married a military man, and later worked as an executive secretary, staff development coordinator, and youth minister before discovering her true calling as an art therapist in private practice.

Why it matters

Sandoval's life story reflects the experiences of many military spouses who reinvent themselves professionally after relocating frequently. Her transition to a fulfilling career in art therapy also highlights the growing recognition of the mental health benefits of creative expression, especially for those dealing with conditions like Parkinson's disease.

The details

After leaving the military, Sandoval worked a variety of jobs before finding her passion as an art therapist, combining her love of art and helping others. She practiced privately with UnityPoint, Broadlawns, and Pasadena Village, using art as a therapeutic tool. Sandoval was also known for her joy in gardening and travel, especially youth service trips.

  • Gloria Sandoval was born on August 16, 1956 in Tooele, Utah.
  • Sandoval joined the U.S. Army in April 1976.
  • Sandoval married Rick Erwin on August 1, 1981.
  • Sandoval passed away peacefully on April 13, 2026 at her home in West Des Moines, Iowa.

The players

Gloria Sandoval

Also known as Jeanette 'Sam' Erwin, she was a 69-year-old art therapist from West Des Moines, Iowa who passed away on April 13, 2026.

Rick Erwin

Sandoval's husband of 44 years, with whom she lived as a military family in Germany and Georgia before settling in West Des Moines.

David Erwin

Sandoval's son, born in 1978 after she left the military to start a family with her husband Rick.

Tanislau 'Tony' Sandoval

Sandoval's father, from Tooele, Utah.

Mary Sandoval

Sandoval's mother, from Tooele, Utah.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Parkinson's Disease Foundation in Gloria Sandoval's memory.

The takeaway

Sandoval's life story reflects the resilience and adaptability of military spouses, who often reinvent themselves professionally after frequent relocations. Her transition to a fulfilling career in art therapy also highlights the growing recognition of the mental health benefits of creative expression, especially for those dealing with conditions like Parkinson's disease.