Sandra Kay Evans, 85, of Galesburg, Illinois, died peacefully at 10 p.m. Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Allure of Knox County, Galesburg.
Sandy was born March 5, 1940, in Galesburg, the daughter of Robert Clare and Gertrude Lucille (McKee) Marshall. Sandy first married Philip E. Swanson. This marriage blessed Sandy with three children. Sandy later married Gary L. Evans on February 20, 1982, in Galesburg. Gary preceded her in death on September 18, 2016.
Immediately after finishing high school, Sandy started working for the power company. She continued working for Illinois Power her entire career, retiring as a gas and electrical engineer. Sandy was an avid doll collector and enjoyed photography, wildlife, and flowers. A lifelong animal lover, in her younger years Sandy enjoyed breeding and raising purebred dogs.
Sandy is survived by her children, two sons, Scott (Evelyn) Swanson of Galesburg and Darrin Swanson of Davey, Florida, and one daughter, Kelly Swanson of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Sandy is also survived by one brother, Robert Marshall of Sanibel, Florida, and her dear friend and co-worker of 50-plus years, Mary Kay Wilson of Galesburg. Along with her parents and husband Gary, Sandy was preceded in death by one grandson.
Graveside services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Memorial Park Cemetery, Galesburg, with Pastor Deb Epley officiating. No visitation is planned. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Western Illinois Animal Rescue (W.I.A.R.). Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at watsonthomas.com.