Sandra “Sandy” Kay Pollock (Yelm), 83, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026, in Englewood, Florida, surrounded by the love of family. During her final months, she lived with her son, Rock Miller Pollock Sr., his wife Shawna, and their son Rock Jr., where she was cared for with great love and dignity.

Anyone who knew Sandy knew that her four-legged babies were the light of her life—her beloved dogs Abby and Ally and her cat Sugar Belle. Her love for animals was well known by family and friends alike.

Sandy was born June 2, 1942, in Kewanee, Illinois to Marion G. Yelm and Genevieve Barbara Stoner Yelm, both of whom preceded her in death. She grew up in Kewanee and graduated from Kewanee High School, later earning her nursing degree from Black Hawk College.

Nursing was more than a profession for Sandy—it was a calling. She spent many years working as a nurse and hospice caregiver, providing comfort, compassion, and dignity for those she cared for during life’s most difficult moments.

On March 4, 1960, Sandy married Charles William Pollock, and together they shared 48 years of marriage before his passing in 2008. Together, they built a family and a life centered on faith, hard work, and caring for others.

Sandy was a loving and devoted mother. She is survived by her children, John Pollock Sr. (Kim), Charles William Pollock Jr., Tabitha Hershberger (Abe), Rock Miller Pollock Sr. (Shawna), Jack Pollock, Preston Pollock, and Shanna Pollock. She also leaves behind many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her tremendous pride and joy. Sandy is survived by her siblings Bonnie Tuthill and Terry Yelm.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Suenjae Ostrowski, and her son, William Michael Pollock and preceded in death by siblings Marion Yelm, Charles William Yelm, Martin Earl Yelm, and Judy Gamm.

One of Sandy’s proudest accomplishments was her dedication to helping children in need. She served as a foster parent for numerous abused and vulnerable children, opening her home as a safe and loving place for them until they could find permanent placement.

In addition to her nursing career, Sandy was also a small business owner, operating Sandy’s Doll House and Grandma’s House, stores devoted to children and families.

Sandy loved reading, shopping, cooking, and spending time with her family. She had a deep and unwavering Christian faith and served as a Sunday school teacher for many years. Family and friends will remember her kindness, generosity, and quiet sense of humor. No matter how large the meal or dessert might be, Sandy would smile and say she had “just a tiny piece,” a phrase those who loved her will never forget.

Although Sandy spent her final months in Florida surrounded by family, Kewanee was always home in her heart. Those who knew Sandy in Kewanee will remember her warm heart, her generosity, and the way she was always willing to help someone in need.

Sandy will be remembered as a loving wife, devoted mother, compassionate nurse, faithful Christian, and lifelong caregiver whose life was defined by helping others and loving her family.

The family would like to thank the many friends, neighbors, and members of the community who showed kindness and support to Sandy throughout her life.

Visitation will be held Monday, March 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Rux Funeral Home in Kewanee, Illinois, with funeral services following at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor John Reside officiating. The burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Sandy’s memory to the Ronald McDonald House, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or to the Humane Society.

The Pollock family finds comfort knowing Sandy’s faith carried her home.