Sandra Lee "Sandy" Stanford, 81, of Mendota, passed away Wednesday, June 11, 2025. She was born July 18, 1943 in Chicago, IL, the daughter of William and Marguerite (Huetson) Gillispie. She married Cecil Leon "Lee" Stanford on November 17, 1962, at the Earlville Presbyterian Church.

Sandra was born and raised in Chicago. She graduated from Sandwich High School. She loved music, dancing, and roller skating. She enjoyed watching the Chicago Bears as a time to connect with her family. For many years, Sandra was an active member of the Mendota Presbyterian Church where she taught Sunday school. She also taught vacation bible school and served as a deacon. She was a den mother for Cub Scouts for eleven years, guiding her boys as well as a neighborhood of boys along their journey. Her home was always open and welcoming. You could find many neighborhood children coming and going, especially during the summertime.

Sandra is survived by three sons, Troy (Sherry) Stanford of Cherry, Travis (Caryn) Stanford of Siren, WI, and Trenton (Cris) Stanford of McHenry, IL; grandchildren, Erin, Elizabeth, Amy, Trevor, Riley, TJ and Theron; a niece, Cherokee Gillispie, who she fondly referred to as her practice grandchild; great-grandchildren, Leeah and Brooks; and two sisters, Carrie and Brenda Gillispie.

In addition to her parents, Sandra is preceded in death by her husband, Lee Stanford; and two brothers, Leroy and Warren Gillispie.

A funeral service will take place at 12:00 P.M. on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at the Horner-Merritt Funeral Home, 800 Monroe Street, in Mendota. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home on Tuesday. Interment will follow in Millington-Newark Cemetery in Millington. Please visit wwww.horner-merritt.com to sign the online guest book.