Sandra Jean Gartrell

Sandra "Sandy" Jean Gartrell, 79, Indianapolis, IN, passed away February 19, 2025 in Community North Hospital. She was born in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania to Melvin Paul Zimmerman and Ella Marie (Strickler) Zimmerman. Sandy graduated from Hopewell High School and loved playing neighborhood basketball and softball. Living just outside Pittsburgh, she was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers (until she moved to Indianapolis and became a Colts first fan). She always had a difficult time when the Colts played the Steelers, rooting for both teams. Living in Big Flats, New York, she was active in the Big Flats Jayncees. Sandy was president of the Big Flats chapter and was instrumental in leading the chapter in resurrecting the city after Hurricane Agnes struck in 1972. After moving to Indianapolis in the summer of 1980, Sandy became active in the Girls Scouts being a troop leader with her youngest daughter. Sandy loved traveling, the outdoors, and especially bird watching. Hummingbirds were her favorite and had three hummingbird feeders in the backyard. She also loved dogs and after owning larger dogs, finally got her small lap dog Reggie.  

Over her Indianapolis years, Sandy worked for Benchmark Chemical Corporation, assistant manager with Central Hardware Co. and retired December 31, 2024, after working 30 years at Meyer Plastics, Inc.  

Sandy was preceded in death by her father.

Survivors include her husband of 40 years, Lynn Gartrell, her mother Ella Zimmerman, children, Beth Hoffman (Jeff), Lisa Kafka (Kent) and Jill Diaddigo (Travis Grant). Grandchildren Tony and Alex Hoffman, Jesie Wood (Danielle), Tyler Rusomaroff (Courtney), Victoria Baker (Steven), Dominique Diaddigo Cash and three great grandchildren.  

Memorial contributions may be made to Indy Humane, 7929 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46268 or the American Cancer Society, 5635 W 96th St., Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46278.  

Visitation will be on March 7 from 10:30am-12:30pm at Flanner Buchanan-Oaklawn Memorial Gardens (Conner Suite), 9700 Allisonville Rd. Indianapolis. A memorial service will begin there at 12:30pm  Online condolences may be shared at www.flannerbuchanan.com.