Sandra L. Hutchison

Sandra L. Hutchison (Connelly)

Sandra L. Hutchison (Connelly), 80, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2026, at Luther Park Care Center after a long and courageous battle with dementia.

Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, July 1^st at Sunset Memorial Chapel, 7601 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321.  An hour of visitation will take place at 11AM followed by the funeral service at 12PM.  Following the committal service in the cemetery, all are welcomed back inside the chapel for a luncheon. 

Sandra was born on September 9, 1945, in Fremont, Nebraska, to Morris and Lucille (Kusak) Connelly. She graduated from Fremont Senior High School with the Class of 1963 before moving to Des Moines, Iowa, in 1965 to begin the next chapter of her life.

After relocating to Des Moines, Sandra worked at Montgomery Ward downtown. As her family grew, she chose to provide in-home daycare until her daughters were in school full-time. She later enjoyed a long career as a receptionist for three local dental practices, where her warm smile and welcoming personality made lasting impressions before retiring.

Sandra found joy in her family. She regularly attended her grandchildren's baseball and softball games, cheering them on with pride. She loved spending time with her extended family in both Iowa and Nebraska and treasured every visit and phone call from her grandchildren as they grew into adulthood.

She also enjoyed staying active throughout her life. Whether walking around Gray's Lake in the early mornings, strolling through her neighborhood, or taking walks at the mall in later years, Sandra appreciated the simple pleasures that brought her peace. She had a special place in her heart for her beloved dogs, Lucky and Buddy, and her family finds comfort in knowing she is reunited with them once again.

Sandra is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband, Evertt "Butch" Hutchison; her daughter, Brenda (Tom) Stein of Des Moines; stepsons, Evertt (Brenda) Hutchison of California and David Hutchison of Perry; and stepdaughter, Julie (Michael) Holzapfel of Waukee.

She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Krystal (James) Walford of Johnston, Nicholas Stein, Andrew Stein, Zoey Stein, and Amanda Harris, all of Des Moines; Josh Devilbiss of Ogden; Logan Holzapfel of Des Moines; and Cody, Dillon, and Samantha Hutchison of California. Sandra was also blessed with 11 great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her sisters, Nancy (Ed) Swanson of Fremont, Nebraska, and Sharon Thiefoldt of Hooper, Nebraska, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Morris and Lucille Connelly; her brother, David Connelly; her daughter, Laurie Garland; her parents-in-law, Evertt and Pauline Hutchison; and her brother-in-law, Robert "Bobby" Hutchison.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Luther Park Care Center for the exceptional care, kindness, and dignity they provided Sandra during the last several years of her life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association or to a breast cancer charity in Sandra's memory.