Sandra J. Sprankle , age 83 of Anderson and formerly of Elwood, passed away on Feb. 14, 2024 at Ascension-St. Vincent Hospital in Anderson after an extended illness.  She was born October 7, 1940 in Elwood, the daughter of Gerald F. and Evelyne M. (Collier) Hayes.  Sandra attended Willkie High School.  She married Dale Phillip Sprankle on March 18, 1963, and they shared 35 years of marriage before his passing in 1998.  Sandra was a machine operator and brake builder for Dexter Axle Co. in Albion for 25 years and retired in 2000.  She was formerly a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Elwood.

Sandra was known for being artistic and enjoyed drawing animations, sketching cartoons, and crocheting.  She loved to laugh, talk with people, and enjoyed time with family and friends.  Sandra especially enjoyed traveling and had gone on two memorable trips to Disney World.  She was the oldest of her sisters and often cared for them and took them on excursions when their mother was working.  She formerly enjoyed bowling for many years.  In recent years, Sandra found pleasure in reading, crossword puzzles, word search puzzles, and jigsaw puzzles.  She was also very fond of animals and nearly always had a special pet at home.

Sandra's family includes 3 siblings, Gary (Betty) Hayes of Anderson, Sue Shetterly of Pendleton, and Theresa Cook of Anderson; 3 step-children, Donald Sprankle, Dale Sprankle, Jr., and Patty Sprankle; beloved dog, Camilla; and several nieces and nephews.  Sandra was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dale Sprankle; 3 brothers, Danny, David, and Jeffrey Hayes; and a step-son, David Sprankle.

A funeral celebrating Sandra's life will be held at 1 pm on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Phil Rogers officiating.  Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 12 to 1 pm prior to the funeral at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.copherfeslermay.com.