CENTRALIA — Sandra Nealy, 85, of Centralia passed away on November 17th, 2023. She was born on February 3rd, 1938 to Charles Cates and Aleene (Ripplinger) Cates.

She is survived by her sons; Douglas Lee Dearing Jr. of Centralia, Eric Dearing and spouse Brenda of Cutler, IL, Welton Matthew Nealy and spouse Mary Riechman of Centralia, and Brett Anthony Nollman of Centralia; 14 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Sandra was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Aleene; husband Welton Douglas Nealy; significant other Don Evishi; daughter Dana Lamb and son-in-law Allen Lamb; and 5 siblings.

Sandra was an avid gardener, and was known to have a green thumb. Anything that could be planted, she would have in her garden. She was an affluent Cardinal’s baseball fan as well. Sandra was a loving and caring individual. She was an LPN for over 15 years and was proud to start the tradition of healthcare work and inspired others in the family to go into the same field. She was of the Christian faith and attended the Rock Church. She will be dearly missed by those that knew her.

Per Sandra’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. A Celebrations of Life service will take place at The Rock Church on Sunday, November 26, 2023 at 1:30 pm in Centralia. Memorial donations can be made to The Rock Church and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Nealy family.

Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland Funeral Homes Facebook page.