Sandra S. Anderson

Sandra S. (Peterson) Anderson, 83, of Galesburg, died at 8:53 a.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Seminary Manor in Galesburg.

She was born on April 29, 1943, and was adopted in 1945, becoming the daughter of Marvyn and Laurene Peterson, and later, her stepfather, Gerald Dickey. She married Robert P. Anderson on October 20, 1967, in Galesburg.

Sandy is survived by her two daughters, Shelly (Ray) Golden of Monmouth and Tami (Dennis C.) Prather of Victoria; her grandchildren, Brandon (Courtney) Anderson, Alyssa Golden (Ryan) Grant, Alexia Golden (Adam Noens), Dennis R. (Miranda) Prather, Karissa (Andrew) Vozovoi, and Kelsey Stone, and her great-grandchildren, Alex, Ethan, Jaycen, Ben, Josephine, Elizabeth, Cameron, and Ainsley. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Jean (and Dale) Grupe of Galesburg, and Kraig Boynton, a special family friend. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Bob, and her parents.

Sandy lived in an orphanage until she was two years-old. Once adopted, she and her parents lived in Bishop Hill, Illinois, until her father died. She and her mother moved to Galva when she was seven. Sandy graduated from Galva High School in 1961. She attended Cottage Nursing School and graduated in 1964. She worked at Cottage Hospital until 1970. Then she worked in multiple doctor’s offices throughout her career, including Dr. Giles, Dr. Grieme, and Dr. Willander. She went back to Cottage Hospital and worked in Chemical Dependency/Mental Health until they closed, and then worked in various offices in the Cottage Professional building. She worked for Dr. Carl Strauch until she retired in 2009.

Sandy was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church. She and Bob were St. Louis Cardinals fans, and they enjoyed being season ticket holders for Peoria Chiefs games. In recent years, Bob and Sandy enjoyed being “regulars” at Tres Cafe.

Visitation will be Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 pm, at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Graveside services will be Friday, September 25, 2026 at 10:30 am at Bishop Hill Cemetery, Bishop Hill, Illinois. A luncheon will follow at the Thomas Legacy Center at Watson Thomas Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bishop Hill Heritage Association or the Carl Sandburg College Foundation-Nursing Success Grant. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com