Sandra “Tootie” Emmert

Sandra “Tootie” Emmert

Marion

Sandra “Tootie” Emmert was dealt her final hand on Friday, Feb. 3, 2023, at the age of 84. Visitation will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Private inurnment at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Sandra was born Jan. 7, 1939, in Fenton, Iowa. She was the third of seven children and born to Florence (Gremmels) Bamsey and Arthur Bamsey. However, Sandra would tell you she was raised in Graentenger, Iowa. She graduated high school in Lamont, Iowa. In 1956, she married Thomas Ray Emmert. Tommy passed away in 1988. They never agreed on who pursued who and each enjoyed telling their version! They had three children, Debora (Dennis) McMillan, Danny (Kathy) Emmert and Dawn (John) Hall. Danny preceded her, passing in 2007. Five surviving grandchildren, Brian Armstrong, Brett Armstrong, Melanie King, Amanda Richey and Jeremy Emmert; several great-grandchildren; three siblings, Larry (Sue) Bamsey of Dallas, Texas, Linda Daily and Paula (Dave) Wilson, both of Cedar Rapids.

Sandra’s favorite job was a Norand, and she would have worked into her 80s if the job had not relocated. She enjoyed playing cards with her sisters, Linda Daily and Paula Wilson; her sister-in-law, Delores, and playing gin with Bill. Sandra had taken memorable trips to California, Texas, New Mexico, Missouri, Washington, D.C. and Ireland opting not to kiss the Blarney Stone.

Always accommodating, Sandra might have served you breakfast, bratwurst, pizza, ice cream, a cocktail or a hand of cards. Now she is basking in the warmth of God’s heaven no longer needing her electric blanket she used year-round! There are a bazillion white crossover cars in the world. But Sandra made hers unique from the rest because her license plates read “TOOTIE”! Sandra was blessed with a terrific memory and a gift of conversation. Therefore, she was a joy to be with as she shared memories and stories, past and present. Sandra was firm in her political position! A position that those of who knew her avoided in conversation. Those of us left to remember and honor her know how proud she was of her daughters and their husbands. She never missed a chance to brag on them!

So, Sandra go in peace, knowing your sisters (Linda Daily and Paula Wilson) will continue to drive all over Iowa in search of the best gizzard baskets! And there will be a slight increase of Seven Up and Black Velvet inventory without you! And even if they didn’t get to know you, the patrons of Big Shots and VFW ‘s from Marion, Iowa, to Cape Girardeau, Mo., will feel an emptiness without your presence.

God bless you for being you – Tootie! You are and will continue to be in our hearts and memories.

In lieu of flowers, she requested you share a drink and story with a friend or family member and call your mother!

Please leave a message, tribute, or memory to Sandra’s family at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.