Sandy Sanger Elliott

Sandy Sanger Elliott, 84, of Grinnell, passed away peacefully at home September 21, 2024, with her family lovingly nearby.

Sandra Sue Hoffert, born September 30, 1939, in Bussey, Iowa to Arthur and Kathryn Hoffert.  Sandy was always surrounded by family with six brothers and sisters and many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews in the surrounding area.  She spent most of her youth in Newton, Iowa, and graduated from Newton High School in 1959. 

Sandy married Tom Sanger in 1960.  Tom introduced her to golf at OaklandAcres, where they shared a full life until his passing in 1995.  They had two children, Sean and Nikki.  Though her kids were on opposite coasts(Boston and San Francisco Bay Area), she enjoyed the fact they lived in fun places to visit!  While in SF, she saw Mama Mia for the first of many times and was forever a “Dancing Queen”.   

After her kids entered school, Sandy became the Human Resource director at Miracle Recreation Equipment Company and later at Victor Manufacturing, where her people skills were an asset.  She retired from corporate life in 2009. 

On August 27, 2009, Sandy married Rich Elliott, creating a “House Divided” as she was a devout ISU Cyclone and he was a Hawkeye!  Ever the diplomat, her license plate was 1ISU1IU.  Together they road-tripped across thecountry playing golf and seeing many National Parks. 

Sandy loved being surrounded by family and friends.  Whether it was regular coffee gatherings in the park with other moms, bowling leagues and tournaments, ‘ruthless’ Thursday morning card games, golf leagues, or going out to dinner, she was always up for an adventure. Sandy especially enjoyed the annual “Spring Clean” when her kids returned to plant hundreds of annuals. Many a happy hour was spent on the deck where she enjoyed snackies as dinner (she hated to cook - who knew?), along with a cold glass of white wine.  She invented the “Sandy Pour” which as many of you know was fill-it-to-the-rim. 

The Hoffert clan was very special.  Many good times were spent at Grandma Ho’s with too much food and cribbage games amongst the siblings (15-2, 15-4 and a pair is 6).   Sandy also enjoyed her holiday shopping adventures with her sisters. Not sure how much they checked off the list, but a great time was had by all.  She also bowled with her siblings on a team called Kathryn’s Kids.  Yes - family was very important. 

Her departure is gravely felt by all who loved her deeply.  Sandy will be remembered for all the love and friendships she shared. She will be missed dearly!  

She is survived by her husband, Rich Elliott; son, Sean Sanger; daughter, Nikki Sanger; Rich’s children, Shelli Elliott, Kelli Elliott, Hollis Elliott, eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. 

In typical Sandy fashion, no services are planned but get ready for a celebration!  Details will be shared at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tiger Packs and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with Sandy’s family online at www.smithfh.com.