Sandy passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 4, 2025, in Salina, Kansas at the home she shared with her brother Mic at her side.
She valiantly fought dementia for several years. Sandra Sue McDermott was born to Donna Jean nee Shuler and Joseph Henry “Corky” McDermott on May 5, 1948, in Keokuk, Iowa. She married James M. Farrell on September 16, 1967, in Keokuk.
Together they raised their three sons. Sandy was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in the Relief Society and was the director of the Salina Family History Center for many years. Genealogy wasn’t just her hobby; it was her passion. She was also a member of the Smoky Valley Genealogical Society. Sandy had a talent for quilting. She was a gentle natured, compassionate, sweet woman, quick to smile, and a friend to all. Sandy possessed Christ-like attributes framed with a strong testimony of her loving Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Sandy was preceded in death by her father, mother, and stepfather, Thomas H. Sinnott.
She is survived by her family whom she loved with all her heart: her brother and caregiver, Mic McDermott; her sons: Tom (Kynda) Farrell of Syracuse, Utah; John Farrell of Keokuk, Iowa; Phillip (Nicole) Farrell of Donnellson, Iowa; grandchildren: Megan (Ethan) Warnick, Julie (Ashton) Durbin; Josh Farrell; Hailey Farrell; and Lila Anderson; great-grandchildren: Kvothe and Vin Warnick; and nephews: Ryan McDermott and Rod McDermott.
Services will be held at the Salina Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 845 S. Ohio, 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Burial will be at the Frazee Cemetery, Wayland, Missouri.
We gratefully acknowledge Ryan Mortuary for their services.