Sandra Sue Knotts , age 88, of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent 86th Street Hospital in Indianapolis. Born on August 31, 1937, in Peoria, Illinois, to James and Darling (Friend) Cushing, Sandie's life was a testament to love and devotion. A proud 1956 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School in Elwood, she spent over 15 years as a talented jewelry maker at J Lewis Small's and later became the co-owner, alongside her daughter Tawny, of "The Wood Shop" in Elwood from 1995 to 2006.

A member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and a former Beta Sigma Phi sorority member, Sandie's most cherished role was that of matriarch. She married Charles Wayne Knotts on February 5, 1978, and together they shared more than 25 years of unwavering partnership until his passing in 2003. Sandie's heart and home were always open to her family; she found her greatest joy in nurturing and supporting her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her days were filled with laughter—whether building jigsaw puzzles, solving crossword puzzles, or sharing nightly games of Yahtzee with her husband.

Sandie's love for her family was the center of her world. She celebrated every milestone, big and small, and treasured every moment spent playing and creating memories with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her warmth, grace, and unwavering devotion will be held in the hearts of those she loved, and she will be forever remembered as the guiding light and beloved matriarch of her family.

Sandra is survived by 4 children, Audie (Pam) Wells of Illinois, Tawny (Jeff) McDaniel of Elwood, Daphnie Wells of Elwood, and Diana (Hector) Knotts-Ramirez of Texas; son-in-law, Jeff Boyland of Elwood; 10 grandchildren, Josh Wells, Ashley Wells, Zach Wells, Audra (Sunshine) Boyland, Adam Boyland, Matthew Boyland, Cory Boyland, Brittany Woodbury, Christopher "Deaner" Vest, Shelby (Lil Angel) Johns; bonus granddaughter, Emily Dietzer; 16 great grandchildren; and 2 nieces, Theresa Cushing, and Jamie Cushing.

Sandra is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles Wayne Knotts; mother-in-law, Viola "Gram" Knotts; brother, Jim (Nancy) Cushing; and daughter, Darling "Dar" Boyland.

A funeral service celebrating Sandie's life will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home with Pastor Greg Boyland officiating.  Burial will follow the service at Elwood City Cemetery in Elwood.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm prior to the service on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the American Breast Cancer Society through the funeral home.  Online condolences and stories may be shared with Sandie's family at copherfeslermay.com.