Elaine Sandra “Sandy” Akerly

Elaine Sandra “Sandy” Akerly

Marion

Elaine Sandra “Sandy” Akerly, 79, of Marion, Iowa, formerly of Lamont, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023, at her home. In agreement with her wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be no services at this time. Her family is planning a celebration of Sandy’s life, which will be held next year in 2024. Private committal services will take place at a later date at Campton Cemetery in Lamont.

Sandy was born on April 26, 1944, in Lamont, the daughter of Cecil Sereno and Eva Belle (Gruman) Sheldon. She was a 1962 graduate of Lamont High School. For several years, Sandy was employed with Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, before moving to California with her family. While in California, she worked for Polara Engineering, an electronics manufacturing company and worked her way up to supervisor of the assembly department until her retirement. She moved back to Marion in 1993, to help care for her aging parents.

Sandy loved her family and enjoyed visits from her son, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Some of her fondest memories were embraced with trips around Eastern Iowa during these visits, ensuring the experience would lead them all to the Backbone State Park, near where she grew up. To merely say that Sandy gave, would be an understatement. She collected brand new items such as school supplies, books, coats, scarves, clothing, backpacks, and much more for the sake of giving without the expectation of anything back. Sandy didn’t need to be present or recognized for the heart she possessed, she didn’t even need to be understood because these items filled up the little space, she had so that when she gave, it was given to those that possibly needed it the most. Sandy understood the simplest acts of giving, all the way down to providing a place of refreshment for the animals that lived around her home. When not collecting new items or reading books, Sandy tended to the many flowers and plants around her property, often connecting each of them to a fond memory. She was also an active member of the United Methodist Church for most of her life and supported its Native American Ministries. Sandy will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Sandy is survived and lovingly remembered by her son, Terry Akerly of Thornton, Colo.; one brother, Kenneth (Carol) Sheldon; four grandchildren, Michael (Keah) Akerly, Racquel (Ben) Arnold, Jonathan (Kaylee) Akerly, and Jarred Akerly; seven great-grandchildren; and a niece and two nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Eva Sheldon; one brother, Richard and sister-in-law, Pat Sheldon; and her daughter-in-law, Sarah Akerly.

Memorials in Sandy’s memory may be directed to Grace United Methodist Church of Lamont, Iowa.

Please share a memory of Sandy at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.