Elma Mae “Ellie” Sandvig

Elma Mae “Ellie” Sandvig

November 18, 1937 – September 29, 2022

Elma Mae “Ellie” Sandvig, loving wife and mother, passed away on September 29, 2022, at the age of 84. Ellie was born to Lloyd and Irene Love on November 18, 1937, in Sac City, Iowa. On September 27, 1968, she married Richard Bruce Sandvig, and they raised two sons, Scott and Steve, and two daughters, Leslie and Michelle (Micki).

Ellie had a lifelong passion for entertainment and singing. Early in her career, she performed and sang in the musicals “Oklahoma” and “The Pajama Game” at the Des Moines Community Playhouse. In 1980, she teamed up with her longtime friend and talented guitarist, Ron Sexton, lending her beautiful, sultry singing voice to the album “Sexton with Love.” She was less famously known for her crazy singing escapades with sisters Linda and Dale, as they laughed, wrote, and sang for anyone who would listen, the newest fun songs to be included in the Presley Family songbook.

Ellie also worked for 40 years as a lounge waitress/bartender at a variety of locations in Omaha. She was well-known for her amazing bartending skills, infectious laughter, and beautiful smile. She would always give a “finger stir” while serving up drinks to some of her most special customers.

Her passion for gardening was also evident, undoubtedly influenced to some degree by her upbringing as an Iowa farm girl. Ellie grew spectacular tomatoes and cucumbers, made homemade dill pickles, and in recent years would have ‘tomato growing contests’ with Rick, which Ellie always won.

As she transitioned into retirement, Ellie showcased her creativity by making beautiful jewelry and selling her wares at local craft shows. Additionally, she took every opportunity to ‘gift’ her latest necklaces, bracelets, and rings to lucky family and friends who visited her home.

Ellie also enjoyed cooking for the family, serving up delicious BLTs, rabbit stew, homemade macaroni and cheese, brownies, chocolate chip cookies, and chicken soup with homemade noodles, making sure nobody left her kitchen hungry. She also had a sweet tooth and was rarely seen without a big bag of Peanut Butter M&Ms and a diet soda.

Ellie was a kind and giving soul, tirelessly bringing her positive energy and servant spirit to fundraising events, raising children, supporting her husband, and nurturing lifetime relationships with countless friends. She had a deep love for relatives and was happiest when attending family reunions, doting on the young children and babies, and spreading her joyful spirit to others. This is a beautiful family legacy that will undoubtedly live on.

Ellie was preceded in death by her mother Irene Love, father Lloyd Love, brother Russel Love, sister Dale Wilhelm, Suzanne Conger, and two grandchildren, Danielle Conger and James Pochop. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Rick Sandvig, sister Linda Henson, brother Kenny Love, sons Scott Conger and Steve Conger, daughters Leslie McDonald, Michelle Rodgers, and Julie Pochop, 20 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

SERVICES: Wednesday, October 12^th at 11am at the West Center Chapel.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association.

To view a live broadcast of the Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.