Sandra (Sandy) Kay Ames, 74, of Wekiva Cove, Longwood, Fla., died peacefully Aug. 26, 2015, at Florida Living Nursing Center in Apopka, Fla., after a long illness.
She was born in Rockford, Ill., Aug. 20, 1942, to Quentin J. (Bud) Riley and Evelyn Norma (Jones) Riley. She attended Rockford East High School. Sandy and her husband of 56 years, Gerald E. (Jerry) Ames, were married June 20, 1959. They moved to Fontana in 1965 to raise their family. In 1987, they relocated to Florida and have, most recently, enjoyed summers in Wisconsin and winters in Florida. For the last 15 years of her life, Sandy, with the loving care of her husband and family, battled progressive supranuclear palsy.
She loved her family and friends passionately, always putting others’ concerns before her own. She welcomed all with an open heart and was happiest when she was surrounded by those she loved. She fought her illness with a courageous spirit and a will to enjoy life no matter the circumstances.
Sandy is survived by her husband, Jerry; a daughter, Laurie (Craig) Nelson, of Elmhurst, Ill.; a son, Michael J. Ames, of Longwood, Fla.; grandchildren Kaitlin and Ryan Nelson, of Elmhurst, Ill.; her half brother, Quinn Riley, of Rockford, Ill.; and her faithful dog, Brandy.
She was preceded in death by her father, Quentin Jay Riley, and mother Evelyn Norma (Jones) Riley.
Celebrations of Sandy’s life will take place in Longwood, Fla., and Fontana. The gathering in Fontana will take place at Fontana Community Church at 3 p.m. Oct. 10.
Sandy’s family would like to express gratitude for the support and help of her friends and the doctors, nurses and staff of the Florida Living Nursing Center and Vitas Hospice. Memorial donations may be made to the Cure Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Foundation and Vitas Hospice.
