Sandra "Sandy" Dore Eldred

Sandra "Sandy" Dore Eldred, loving wife and mother of six children, passed away on May 16th, 2022, in Rogers, Ark., at the age of eighty-seven. She was surrounded by her husband and children. She was preceded in death by her father, Al Dore, her mother, Helen Dore, and son, Charles Eldred. Surviving are her husband, Wayne, and her five children, son, Larry Krisman and his wife Susie of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., her daughter, Susan Marr and husband Bill of Rogers, Ark., her daughter, Tammy Martin and husband Bob of Dawsonville, Ga., her daughter, Kelly Best of Marco Island, Fla., her son, Kyle Eldred of South Lake, Texas, and a brother, Larry Dore of The Villages, Fla. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Matthew Darrington, Shanna Hunsucker, Dallas Hunsucker, Nathan Best, Grace Best, Patrick Krisman, Elizabeth Marr, Kalen Eldred, Charis Coates, Blaise Eldred, Ally Eldred, Brodie Eldred, Ava Eldred, Emory Eldred, Leyton Eldred and her great-grandchildren Parker, Skylar, Cape, Pax, Crew, Rook, Addison, Elaina, Myah, Maliyah, Grasyn, Miles, Heidi and Emma Grace. Sandy was born in St Louis, Mo., and raised in Granite City, Illinois. She attended Granite City Central School and secretarial school following graduation. Sandy was an excellent student, particularly in math, and a talented pianist. She married and moved to Kansas City. Upon becoming a single parent of three, Sandy began her career at the Village Presbyterian Church. She met the love of her life, Wayne Eldred, and they in turn, joined their families in marriage. Sandy then became a 5'2" mother of six children, holding strong, during Wayne's many week-nights away, per his traveling sales roles. Sandy and Wayne were married for 51 years and were truly each other's equal. While proud of church, family and work, their marriage was their number one commitment in life. Sandy and Wayne provided a fun and full life for their children, there was a house, a yard, pets, Chiefs and Royals games, football and softball, church choir, piano and school activities. Then later in life, a bigger house, trips to the Ozarks, lots of groceries, colleges, weddings and grandchildren. Sandy always worked hard. She was devoted to the Village Presbyterian Church growth and journey. She worked alongside Dr. Bob Meneilly. She was an integral part of Village Church per her 20-year career there. She sang in choir, assisted with weddings and a multitude of activities. Whenever a hand was needed, Sandy was involved. She worked her way up to Director of Community Concern where she oversaw the community outreach. She managed one of the largest mission programs in the country, as Village church was the 2nd largest Presbyterian Church in the U.S. with 7400 members. In the latter years of her career, Sandy's program was training for students working to gain their Masters in Social Work. She earned many accolades throughout her journey with Village. Most notably, she was recognized with the Milton E. Erikson Award, in 1984. The Distinguished Public Service Award was for her work in creating essential human services in Johnson County, Kan. She was instrumental in the development of Services for Seniors, the Johnson County Child Care Association, The Christmas Bureau, Live and Learn and the Association for Battered Persons. She served on the UCS board executive and budget committee. After her first retirement, Sandy joined Wayne in his successful sales career, and together they created a Sales and Marketing brokerage company servicing grocery companies. She and Wayne sang and danced thru their retirement years in Marco Island, Fla. Sandy's voice was unique in that she always provided the melody. They joined Hideaway Beach and were regulars at the piano and at the many social functions. She enjoyed lifelong friends and beautiful scenery. Sandy was highly involved in Hideaway's philanthropic activities most notably the American Cancer Society fund raising. She golfed, and got "a hole in one" on the ninth hole. Among the many fun times, Sandys' grand piano, at home, was a central part of her life. The family will always hold her playing the piano, near and dear to their hearts. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at 2 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church in Rogers, Arkansas. Interment will follow at Pinnacle Memorial Gardens, Rogers, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Village Church Endowment Trust Bob Sperry, 6641 Mission Road, Prairie Village, Kan., 66208. Arrangements by Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th, Rogers. Online condolences to: www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com