Sandra C. "Sandy" Ellis 1936 - 2022

ELLIS, SABATINI

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 5/31/2022 at 11:08:03

Sioux City Journal
22 May 2022

Sandra C. "Sandy" Ellis, 85, formerly of Sioux City and Dakota Dunes, passed away on Saturday, May 14, 2022, in Papillion, Neb., due to complications from Alzheimer's disease. Sandy was surrounded by her loved ones at the time of her passing.

Celebration of Life for Sandy will be held in the future in Sioux City at a time, date and location to be determined and announced later.

Sandy was born on Oct. 10, 1936, in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., to Anthony and Elinore Sabatini. As a young girl, Sandy moved with her mother and older sister Jan to Sioux Falls, S.D., where her mother met and married Gary Sona, who adopted Sandy and her sister. Sandy attended Sioux Falls Washington High School where she was a cheerleader and homecoming queen.

Following high school, Sandy attended the University of South Dakota, where she became a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority, earned her teaching degree, and as a freshman met the love of her life, Robert D. (Bob) Ellis, who was working as the houseboy at her sorority. Sandy and Bob were married on June 1, 1957, in Sioux Falls. After college, they moved to Sioux City where they lived happily and were virtually inseparable for the next 64 years. The couple had two children, son Robert G. "Bob" and daughter Elizabeth L. "Beth" Ellis.

Sandy worked for a number of years for the Sioux City Community Schools, first as a teacher at Lincoln Elementary and then as a substitute teacher for over a decade. After her children were born, Sandy primarily became a homemaker and was the most wonderful wife, devoted mother, and supportive friend that anyone could hope for. Over time, she re-entered the work force and ran her own successful party planning business in the 1970s, and worked at KWIT Radio as a volunteer coordinator and fundraiser throughout the 1980s and 90s.

Sandy had three major loves in her life: her husband Bob, her family (especially her granddaughters), and her community. Sandy's love for the Sioux City area knew no bounds, which is reflected in the large number of charitable and philanthropic organizations that she was involved in for over 50 years.

Among the many organizations that she donated her time, energy and support to were the Sioux City Art Center, the Sioux City Symphony, the Junior League of Sioux City, Girls Inc. of Sioux City, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Siouxland. In addition, Sandy was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church, American Girls, PEO Sisterhood, and many other community groups. She also belonged to the same bridge and book clubs for several decades, and shared a special bond with those very close friends that continued throughout her life.

One of Sandy's proudest achievements was being presented with the Siouxland Women of Excellence Award in 1990 by the group Women Aware, which honored Sandy for her tireless volunteer work on behalf of local charities and her lifelong efforts to improve the quality of life for everyone in her community.

Sandy is survived by her beloved husband Bob; children Bob Ellis (Laura Silverberg) and Beth Ellis (Mark Anson); granddaughters Caroline Kollars and Madison Ellis; sister Jan Hyden; brother-in-law Larry Kennedy; and many nieces, nephews, and countless friends who remain to cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her parents; in-laws Sylvan and Inez Ellis; brother-in-law Dr. Buz Hyden; and sister-in-law Patricia Kennedy.

Sandy's life was truly a blessing to all who were lucky enough to know and love her. She had the biggest heart anywhere, and the world is a lesser place without her being in it. But the positive impact of Sandy's abundant kindness and good works will endure for generations to come.

The family requests that any Memorials which friends may wish to make in Sandy's honor be directed to the Sioux City Art Center, Girls Inc. of Sioux City, or Women Aware.