Sandra Faye Willert, age 86 of Tipton, passed away unexpectedly in the early morning hours of Thursday January 8, 2026 in her home. A visitation celebrating Sandy's life will be held at Chapman Funeral Home in Clarence on Monday, January 12 from 4-7 p.m. A private family burial will be held at a later date in the Red Oak Cemetery.

Sandy was born August 11, 1939 in Clarence, Iowa to Forest and Esther (Goldsmith) Woode. She married Lauren "Bumps" Willert March 23, 1957 in Tipton. They later divorced.

Survivors include her children Jon "Jake" (Teri) Willert of Davenport and Kristi (Steve) Stafford of Tipton; grandchildren Cody Stafford of West Branch, Cory Stafford of Cedar Valley, Cole Stafford of West Branch, Lindsey Willert of Milan, IL, Jenna (Jesse) Chumbley of Adel, IA, and Carly Willert of Davenport; great grandchildren Kaleb Willert and Maxwell and Mia Heiar; sisters-in-law Marilyn Woode of Davenport and Julie Willert of Cedar Falls; and brothers-in-law Robert (Jenny) Willert of Iowa City and Virgil Hamdorf of Lowden.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister Bonnie Hamdorf; brother Robert Woode; and son Jim "Poss" Willert.

Sandy Willert will be remembered for her generous heart, strong work ethic, and the deep love she had for her family, friends, and community. In her younger years, Sandy was a standout 6-on-6 basketball star in high school, and after her school years, she devoted herself to what mattered most to her—raising her family and creating a welcoming home filled with love.

For more than 50 years, Sandy built lifelong friendships while working at the Moose Lodge, the VFW, and the Red Pin Lounge. These were more than just places of work; they were extensions of her community, where Sandy was known for her warmth, reliability, and ability to make everyone feel like they belonged.

Sandy showed her love best through food. She enjoyed cooking for her family and for anyone who might need a good meal. Her potato salad, Maid-Rites, and especially her deviled eggs were legendary—so much so that family members good-naturedly fought over the last ones. One of her favorite traditions was hosting gatherings for the Fourth of July parade on Mulberry Street, a celebration that perfectly reflected her love of family, neighbors, and time spent together.

A devoted Iowa Hawkeyes fan, Sandy proudly wore the black and gold whenever she could. She also cherished shopping road trips with her family, turning simple outings into lasting memories filled with laughter and conversation.