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BORN
1951
DIED
2026
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Sandra Drexler Obituary
Born: January 12, 1951
Died: February 2, 2026
BYRON, IL – Sandra L. (Samsel) Drexler, 75, of Byron, IL, passed away on 2/2/26 in her home surrounded by her family and loved ones. Sandra was born to Robert and Evelyn Samsel on January 12, 1951, in Rockford, IL.
Childhood began in the German Valley area, and then moving on to Winnebago from third grade on, where she graduated in 1969.
Sandy married Del Smith in 1969. Between the two of them they had three children, Mike, Cody & Jodi.
They were divorced in 1978. In 1984, Sandra reunited in marriage to Dale Drexler and gained two stepchildren, Diane & Doug. They shared a life of love! After retirement, they started traveling to Florida for the winters where they met so many new friends! Dale suddenly became ill and ended up passing in September 2016. Sandy continued her trips to Florida, usually dragging her bestie Diane with her. Then in 2023, she decided she had enough of Florida and wanted to be home with her family and friends, especially her grandkids and following them on to whichever sport they were playing. Never did she miss many games.
Sandy worked for the grain elevators back in the day around Forreston and Baileyville, then left to go to work at the Mt. Morris School District in 1986, retiring in 2006. She returned to work for the elevator in 2006 where she still did books for several farmers and individuals as of today.
Sandy leaves behind her son, Michael Smith (late Melissa Smith) of lowa, Cody Smith of Florida, and Jodi (Matt) Whitlock of Byron, Diane (Jeff) Marsh, South Wayne, Wi and Doug (Terra) Drexler of Polo; grandkids, Sean, Kyle, Kristen, Drew, Tylar, Jacob (Mel), Malachai, Elijah, Darien, Ava'Lynn, Dawson & Zachary; two great-granddaughters, Everley Opal and Cora Lee; sister, Sharon (Dennis) Christians; brother, Mike (Diane) Samsel; and my Mama Beverly Samsel of Winnebago.
Cremation rites will be accorded at Finch Funeral Home, Mt. Morris with services at Cornerstone Family Church, Byron. Burial will be with family only at the Winnebago Cemetery.
Would like to Thank Hospice Serenity Care and all involved. And of course, all the kids, family and friends that stepped in to help.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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