Sandra K. Williams

Born on the 4th of July 1953 to Richard Paul and Beulah Irene (Coslet) Hoffman in Tuscola, Illinois, Sandra Kay was the happiest little firecracker in Douglas County. Her joyful smile and kind heart quickly became her trademark. She grew up in a large and loving family forming strong bonds with her sister and brothers that remained central to her life.

Sandy met the love of her life, Steven Williams, in 1971 at Wells Department Store in Urbana where they both worked. They were married on February 5, 1972, in Camargo, Illinois, beginning a devoted partnership that would span more than five decades. Together, they built a life rooted in family, first making their home in Villa Grove for 34 years before moving to Tolono in 2007.

Sandy dedicated 30 years of service to various institutions within the University of Illinois, where she was known for her reliability and commitment. She retired in June 2003 from the Committee on Institutional Cooperation (CIC).

A trailblazer in her community, Sandy helped pioneer the first women’s softball team in Villa Grove in the early 1970s, reflecting her determination and team spirit. Her love of family, however, was the defining thread of her life. Coming from a large family herself, Sandy had a gift for bringing people together. She made it a priority to gather loved ones and celebrate life’s moments, big and small. Sandy never missed calling loved ones on their special day to sing “Happy Birthday.” They frequently let her calls go to voicemail to play repeatedly. She left those singing treasures as reminders of her love for them.

Her greatest joy was her grandchildren. She lovingly helped care for Victoria and Anthony in their early years and, more recently, made special trips to Arizona to spend time with Henley, Liam, and Piper. One of her most treasured blessings was holding her great-grandson, Callahan.

Sandra found her eternal rest on April 23, 2026, when she was reunited with her parents, Richard and Beulah, and her siblings Robert Dean (Jane) Hoffman, John Hoffman, and Karen Felkner, who preceded her in death.

Sandy is survived by her devoted husband, Steve; her children, Jeff (Erika) Williams, Erin (Juan) Buenrostro, and Lyndsey (Brian Baker) Williams; her grandchildren, Victoria (Logan) Reinhart, Anthony Buenrostro, Henley Williams, Liam Williams, Piper Williams; and her great-grandson, Callahan Reinhart. She also leaves behind her brothers, Don (Dee Ann) Hoffman of Pesotum, and Kevin (Lesia) Hoffman of Camargo, along with several extended family members who will cherish her memory. Sandy will be remembered for her strength, her unwavering love for her family, and her dedication to keeping those she loved close. She will be deeply missed and forever loved. Sandy would want her loved ones to find comfort in embracing each other with the love and understanding she so freely shared with them and everyone around her.

Sandy’s services will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Joines Funeral Home in Villa Grove, Illinois. Visitation is from 10:00am to 12:00pm followed by a Service of Life with Pastor Mike McQueen officiating. Please bring your favorite Sandy stories to share with everyone. Burial will take place at Murdock Cemetery afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the American Diabetes Association in Sandy’s honor.

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