Sandra R. Hodgett

Sandra R. Hodgett, 86, of rural Sheffield, died Friday, January 12, 2024 at her home and surrounded by her family. Sandra was born December 12, 1937, in Kewanee, the daughter of Gilbert and Ethel Mae (Bennett) Gingrich. She was raised on the family farm in rural Sheffield and married her lifelong love, Sam M. Hodgett, on October 14, 1956, in Sheffield. He survives. She graduated from Mineral High School in 1955 and attended Western Illinois University.

Sandra is also survived by her four daughters whom she absolutely adored...Denise Hodgett, Peru, IL, Jeanette Cromien, Galva, IL, Jill Marshall, Petersburg, IL, and Christine (Shannon) Bumann, Woodhull, IL; four grandchildren, Maria (Sandy) Dimmer, Jack Bumann, Thomas Bumann, and William Bumann; one great-granddaughter, Pearl Dimmer; a sister, Carol (Mike) Bingaman. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Grace Ellen (Richard) Madsen and Rita Black; a son-in-law, David Marshall; and a grandson, Benjamin Cromien.

Sandra was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker. She was a very active member in the First United Church of Christ in Sheffield and then also with the Church of Peace in Kewanee. Sandra had an absolute love for music. She was an entertaining and very accomplished musician who enjoyed playing the piano and organ, wrote beautiful songs and lyrics, sang competitively and for the joy of others, directed the church choir, and accompanied hundreds of students for contests, concerts, and musicals at Annawan Schools. Sandra and Sam played and sang "Big Band" music for many years as "The Hodgetts" in both Illinois and Florida.

Sandra also found joy in many other facets of life. She worked on the family farm, collected beautiful antiques, helped her husband train and race harness horses, and attended all of her children's and grandchildren's school activities. Sandra was an avid traveler to North Fort Meyers, Florida where she and Sam loved to spend time with friends and family. Sandra was also a member of the Sheffield Ladies Bridge Club and Hidden Lake Country Club where she was a women's golf Club Champion and winner of numerous other area events.

Visitation will be from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, Saturday, February 3, 2024, at the Church of Peace. Memorial services will be at 12:00 pm, Saturday, February 3, 2024, at the church. Pastor Andrew Christman will officiate. Burial will be at Sheffield Cemetery in the spring. Memorials may be made to the Sheffield Rescue Unit or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Please leave an online condolence for Sandra's family at www.golnickschuenemanfh.com.