Sandra Alward

Sandra L. Alward, 71, of Ellsworth, died peacefully in her sleep on Monday, May 28, 2018 at Grandvue Medical Care Facility.

She was born on September 12, 1946 in Charlevoix to Harold and Alice (Heeres) Jansen.

On July 2, 1965 she married William “Bill” Alward in Ellsworth where they made their home.

Sandy attended Davenport College of Business in Grand Rapids and took that knowledge on to her work at the Ellsworth branch of the Charlevoix County State Bank. She and Bill owned and operated the Archway Motel in Charlevoix for over ten years. Later, Sandy was employed at Ski & Shore Real Estate in Charlevoix.

She was a member of the Ellsworth Christian Reformed Church and enjoyed cooking, sewing, serving at the church and being with her grandchildren. She and Bill enjoyed camping together. Sandy's special gift to her church was serving on the building committee for the remodeling addition. Under her leadership the project was successfully completed.

Surviving are her daughter Amy (Kevin) Russell of Ellsworth; daughter-in-law Dulcie Alward of Ellsworth; grandchildren Lexi Lambert, Katy Lambert, Tucker Alward, Layken Alward, and Tara Essenberg; a great-grandson Cooper Alward; father Harold (Eleanor) Jansen of Hudsonville; sister Barbara Gebott of Harrison and brother James (Judy) Jansen of Delton. She was preceded in death by her husband William “Bill” Alward on March 28, 2015 and her son William “Billy” Alward on December 2, 2016.

Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 30, 2018, at the Ellsworth Christian Reformed Church.

The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 31, 2018 at the Ellsworth Christian Reformed Church with the Rev. Eugene Drenth officiating. Burial will be in Ellsworth Cemetery.

For those wishing to make memorial contributions the family suggests Banks Township Fire & Rescue, P. O. Box 241, Ellsworth, MI 49729. The family was served by Hastings Funeral Home in Ellsworth, online at www.hastingsfuneral.com.