Sandra Jean Gilliland

SANDRA “SANDY” JEAN GILLILAND was born July 16, 1960, to Gerald and Claris (Goehring) Nord in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Sandy lived in Germany for three years and then spent two years in Fort Hood, Texas, before moving to Slayton, Minnesota. She was baptized at Iona Presbyterian Church and later confirmed at the First Presbyterian Church in Slayton. Throughout her childhood years, Sandy enjoyed water activities and being active in band. She graduated from Slayton Public Schools in 1978. She was later united in marriage to Ronald Gilliland on July 21, 1978, at Slayton Presbyterian Church. Together they made their home west of Pipestone, Minnesota. Sandy furthered her education at Pipestone Area Vocational School, earning her degree in secretarial studies in 1980. They were blessed with three daughters: Connie, Nikki, and Amanda.

Sandy held various secretarial positions in Pipestone and also helped her husband farm. Sandy was a member of Peace United Methodist Church in Pipestone and worked in the church office. She was involved in the Quilters Guild Organization. Sandy enjoyed quilting, making greeting/birthday cards, and bird watching. She enjoyed traveling and spent time in Mexico, Hawaii, and visiting family in Florida. Sandy especially enjoyed spending time on the farm watching her grandchildren play together. They took rides on the Gator with the dog and enjoyed feeding the animals. She passed away on Sunday, April 4, 2021, at the Pipestone County Hospice House at the age of 60 years, eight months, and 19 days.

Sandy will be remembered for her constant smile and love of spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Sandy is survived by her loving husband of 42 years, Ron; children, Connie (Eric) Versteeg of Tamarac, Florida and Nikki (Justin) Nepp of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; grandchildren, Kade and Ryker Versteeg, and Landon, Reagan and Hudson Nepp; mother, Claris Nord of Slayton; and siblings, Malcom Nord of Marietta, Georgia, Jeff (Peggy) Nord of Marlton, New Jersey, and Brenda Sovell of Marshall, Minnesota. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Amanda Gilliland; father, Gerald Nord; mother-in-law, Joyce Gilliland; and father-in-law, Daryl Gilliland.