Sandra L. “Sandy” Callaway, 77, of Colusa, Illinois, passed away Saturday, October 19, 2024 at Maple Grove Memory Care in Carthage, Illinois. 

Sandy had a life long connection to YMCA Camp Jorn in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, first as a camper during her youth and then as a councilor during her high school and college years. This led to an everlasting love of mentoring young people and an appreciation of nature, especially tall pine trees, blue skies and crystal blue lakes.

Sandy was born August 14, 1947 in Waukegan, Illinois, the daughter of Orell and Georgia (Sandstrom) Hibbard. On June 27, 1970 she married Blair Callaway in Waukegan. 

Sandy was a graduate of Waukegan Township High School and received her bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University. She worked various jobs throughout her life, most notably as Librarian at the Carthage Public Library for many years. 

She enjoyed crocheting, journaling and crafting, especially crafting with her grandchildren. She loved being “Nanny” to her grandchildren. She was a member of the Burnside Christian Church and the former Mississippi Mudders through the Hancock County Extension Office. 

Survivors include her husband: Blair; three daughters: Amy Hennings of Rock Island, Illinois, Erin (Bryan) Blakemore of Waverly, Illinois and Emily (Finley) Edwards of Woodway, Texas; eight grandchildren: Joseph and Lynsey Hennings, Ellie, Micah and Adam Blakemore and Abigail, Anderson and Alvin Edwards and one brother: Scott (Sylvia) Hibbard of Chicago.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a grandson in infancy: Archer Edwards and one brother: Bill Hibbard.

Banks & Beals Funeral Home of Dallas City is assisting the family. 

Friends may call after 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 25, 2024 at the Burnside Christian Church in Burnside, Illinois, where the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.

The funeral service for Mrs. Callaway will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 26, 2024 at the Burnside Christian Church with Pastor Mark Nichols officiating. For those unable to attend the visitation Friday, the family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until times of services Saturday at the church.

Burial will follow in Harris Cemetery, near Dallas City. 

A memorial fund has been established for the Burnside Christian Church or Maple Grove Memory Care. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit Sandy’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.