Sandra Ann Williams

Sandra Williams went home to be with her Lord on August 31, 2024 at Bethany Home in Sioux Falls, SD. Sandra Ann Opland was born June 30, 1945 in Denver, CO to Chester & Irene (Hodson) Opland. She was raised in Sioux Falls, SD, graduating from Washington High School and Augustana University. Sandra married Daniel Williams on August 9, 1969. Dan came with 2 young daughters, LaShelle and Shari, who Sandra quickly took into her heart. To that union was born a son, Troy. Following the dissolution of this marriage, Sandra maintained full custody of all 3 children, raising them as if they were all her own flesh & blood. Sandra had a passion for teaching and caring for others. This flowed into her career as a nurse, working in the Pediatrics unit at Sioux Valley Hospital, teaching nursing at South Dakota State University, and later working as a parish nurse at Hope Lutheran Church. Along with her passion for caring for others was an aptitude for lifelong learning. She earned her Master's Degree in Nursing and a Doctorate of Education, both at SDSU. Sandra unabashedly loved our Lord Jesus Christ. Her faith formation began with her baptism at Willow Creek Lutheran Church in Dell Rapids, and at Augustana Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, where she received the Sacrament of Confirmation. She loved to sing, so much so that even her normal speaking voice often times flowed into some sort of melody. She raised her voice and hands in praise to the Lord at First Assembly of God Church, and banged a tambourine while she sang His praises at Church at the Gate/Harvest Church. Grateful for having shared her life are her children, LaShelle Griffith of Bartlesville, OK, Shari (Tom) Gustafson of Otsego, MN, and Troy (Carrie) Williams of Sioux Falls, SD. Grandchildren Ian & Heidi, Isaac & Jennifer, Heather, Blake, Jackson & Ellie, Pierce & Molly, Garrett & Jessica, Grace & Isaac, Gavin & Summer, Meagan, Katie & Nick, Erin & Jordan. Her Great-Grandchildren, Savannah, Emma, Heaven, Noah, Jack, Juliana, Ivan, Kallin, Marleigh, Mayzie, and Elisio, Hudson & Calvin. She is also survived by her sister, Debra Opland of Hill City, SD, and a niece, Caitlin McLane. The Williams family would like to offer special thanks to Stacy Mongar for her unwavering dedication to Sandra's care these past years. Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, Chester & Irene, and her brother, Randy. Visitation will be Thursday, Sept 5 from 5-7 with family present at Heritage Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at Heritage Funeral Home Friday, September 6 at 11:00am followed by a luncheon. A private burial will be held with Sandra's immediate family.