Sandra "nee'Peck" Lee Ellis

Obituary for Sandra Lee Ellis (née Peck)

May 11, 1947 – May 26, 2025

Sandra Lee Ellis, née Peck, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2025, surrounded by love and

reverence. She was 78 years old, and her life was rich with strength, compassion, and spirit.

Born on May 11, 1947, in the great state of Montana, Sandra’s early years were shaped by the

wild beauty of the West. As a young girl, her family moved to Mason City, Iowa, where she was

the eldest of four siblings—growing up alongside a brother and two younger sisters. Sandra

shared a close bond with her siblings and held a particularly special relationship with her father.

She went on to attend Upper Iowa University, where she earned a degree in English, laying the

foundation for a lifelong career as an educator. Sandra was a passionate teacher who believed

deeply in the power of language and the importance of learning, inspiring many throughout her

years in the classroom. She met and married her college sweetheart and spent 23 years

married to the father of her children.

Sandra was a proud, independent woman—sharp, witty, and fiercely loyal. Above all, she was a

devoted mother and grandmother. She raised four children—two daughters and two sons—each

of whom she cherished and was immensely proud of. She was the grandmother of fourteen and

was awaiting the arrival of her first great-grandchild. Her love for her family was evident in every

word she spoke, every book she read aloud, every song she sang and every act of care she

gave.

Sandra’s life took her across the country, though her heart remained anchored in the mountains

and plains of Colorado, where she spent many of her adult years. In her final days, she made

her home in South Carolina, surrounded by the warmth of friends, neighbors, and family.

Music was a constant thread in Sandra’s life—especially outlaw and classic country. The soulful

twang of Waylon Jennings often filled her home, and she spoke of him with a twinkle in her eye

and lifelong admiration. Her love of music was shared with her father and passed on to her

children, creating treasured memories that endure.

Animals—especially her beloved dogs—held a sacred place in Sandra’s heart. She loved and

cared for them with unwavering devotion and deep affection.

Sandra leaves behind a legacy of resilience, warmth, and authenticity that lives on through her

children and grandchildren. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever

celebrated.

A private family remembrance will be held in her honor in Mason City, Iowa. In lieu of flowers,

donations may be made in her name to Carolina Poodle Rescue or an educational charity of

your choice—both causes close to her heart

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