Growing up in Central City, Nebraska, Sandy attended high school there, where she met her lifelong partner, Kenneth L. Hawthorne. After graduating, they married on November 14th, 1961. Sandy pursued secretarial skills at Kearney State College, and together, they welcomed their first child, Kendra (Kendy), and settled in Lincoln. Later, they moved to Waverly, Nebraska, which became their forever home.
In Waverly, they joyfully raised their family, adding two more children, Theresa (Terri) and Russell (Russ), to their lives. While raising her children, Sandy ran her own family daycare, treating her daycare children as her own, especially Patrick and Christopher Yearley. Ken worked as a welder at Goodyear during this time.
Sandy had a passion for books and reading, which led her to work at the library of Waverly High School after her children graduated. She enjoyed camping, boating, sewing, and traveling, including memorable trips to Europe with her daughter Terri and visits to Alaska with Ken. Sandy took pleasure in tending to her yard and flowers and found fulfillment in volunteering with her widows’ support group.
Devoted to her family, she took pride in attending her grandsons’ sports activities and spending quality time with loved ones. Her cherished friends, Enny, Lillie, Marilyn, and Betty, held a special place in her heart. Sandy loved driving her red charger and enjoyed every moment spent with her dear friends.
Sandy leaves behind a legacy of love and warmth in the hearts of her daughters, Kendy Pagles (Neal Craig) and Terri Hawthorne, along with her grandsons Ryan Hawthorne (Sarah), Scott Pagles (Briana), Tanner Pagles (Kari), Zach Hawthorne (Caitlyn), and Cody Pagles (Lacey Badertscher). Her great-grandchildren, Jackson, Henry, Raelynn, Axel, Liam, and Reese, were a source of joy and happiness.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Margaret, in-laws LaVern and Ivilla, sisters-in-law Verna, Bonnie, and LaVonne, husband Kenneth, son Russ (Shelly), and son-in-law Rob Pagles.
The pallbearers honoring her memory are Ryan Hawthorne, Zach Hawthorne, Scott Pagles, Tanner Pagles, Cody Pagles, Patrick Yearley, and Christopher Yearley. In addition, Jerry Owsley, Bryan Desh, Shawn Owsley, Adam Root, Nate Root, and Nick Wilke serve as honorary pallbearers.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 3rd, from 6-8 pm at Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel, 4300 ‘O’ Street, Lincoln, NE.
The funeral services will be held on August 4th at 12 pm at the same location.
Following the services, a luncheon will be held, and then graveside services will take place at Rosehill Cemetery in Waverly.