Sandra K. Kelso, 76, of Galesburg, passed away at home on Sunday, May 2, 2021, 12:54 PM with her family at her side.
Sandra was born on December 2, 1944 in Galesburg. She was the daughter of Nora Elvira Curtis. Sandra married Frank H. Hilligoss on July 6, 1963, and together they had four children. She later married LeRoy Kelso on October 7, 1979 in Galesburg. He preceded her in death on January 25, 2015. Sandra is survived by her children, Wednesday (Nick) Hilligoss-McGown of Galesburg, Donavon (Elvira) Hilligoss of Galesburg and Drake (Andrea) Hilligoss of Peoria; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother, son, Wayne Hilligoss, and husbands, Frank Hilligoss and LeRoy Kelso, and her special St. Bernard “Snow White” Hilligoss, who was her exceeding loving companion.
Sandra was a graduate of Rock Island High School. She waitressed at Harbor Lights, George’s Café and Light & Sundries Café. She was a member of the AmVets Auxiliary and the VFW. Sandra had a passion for motorcycle riding. Together, LeRoy and she loved to travel and accomplished traveling to every state aside from Hawaii by motorcycle. She was also a St. Bernard rescuer, having up to seven St. Bernard’s at her house at one time. Sandra took great pride in her home that she lived in for 53 years. She spent countless hours working in her flower beds, which she cherished and was proud of her 14-foot-tall Sunflowers that grew around her all of her birdhouses. Sandra was also a collector, especially of Beanie Babies (she had over 1300) and the Avon Cologne Bottles (which was over 800). She was a lover of music, dancing. Sandra was always dressed to the nines…especially for holidays and special occasions. She lived for Halloween, it was her favorite time of year, and always enjoyed topping her costume from the previous years. Her house was always the house to visit on that holiday. Sandra’s spunk and tenacious spirit will be missed by all that had the honor of knowing her.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 7, 2021 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory, Knoxville. Funeral services will follow visitation at 12:30 PM at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Galesburg. Rev. David Pyell will officiate. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory, Knoxville has been entrusted with arrangements. Memorials may be made to Guardian Angels of Knox County. Due to COVID-19 social distancing and face masks will be required. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.hurd-hendricks.com.
