LOUISVILLE — Alice Joan “Sandy” Chace, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, died Feb. 1, 2025, at the age of 93. Memorial Services are planned at Faith Community Church, Laurel, March 1, at 10:30 a.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Fusselman-Allen-Harvey Funeral Home, Louisville. Born Nov. 17, 1931, in Kansas City, Mo., Sandy was the sixth child of Judson and Flora (Offutt) Sanderson. In the 1940s, her family moved into a home where they took in boarders, an experience that further developed her cooking talent as she helped prepare meals for nearly 15 people each night. At just 13, with special permission from the Kansas City Board of Education, she began her first job at the Retail Credit Company. She attended Central High School, where she mastered her sewing skills under Miss Keating’s guidance and was encouraged to pursue Home Economics at Iowa State University. Finances were tight, thus she spent a year at Kansas City Junior College before transferring to Iowa State. At ISU, she became a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority earning the nickname “Sandy” and also met her husband-to-be, Walter “Bud” Chace.

Sandy and Bud married June 22, 1952, in Kansas City. In August of that year, they moved to Laurel where she would live for the next 67 years. She especially enjoyed being a homemaker and raising their five children over those years.

As a resident of the Laurel community, Sandy dedicated her time to numerous organizations, volunteering faithfully in many roles at the United Methodist Church (now Faith Community Church). As a 4-H leader, she devoted 17 years to developing cooking and sewing skills in young women. Her community involvement extended to the PTA, Federated Women’s Club, Book Club, and Tuesday Club, where she often served as an officer. She also contributed her time to the Hillcrest Care Center Board.

In 2019, Sandy moved to Walnut Grove Retirement Community in Omaha, where she quickly became known for her generosity and baking skills, delighting fellow residents with pecan rolls and brownies. Naturally, she volunteered when the facility needed someone to manage their small store. As one might expect, she scoured Omaha for the best bargains in order to keep the items they stocked at the lowest possible price.

Sewing remained a lifelong passion. Over the years, she lovingly crafted countless garments for her family. In 2013, her creativity took a new direction as she began designing and sewing wardrobes for 18-inch dolls. She started a cherished tradition of gifting each great-granddaughter an American Girl doll complete with a handmade wardrobe. Her generosity extended beyond family, as she frequently donated dolls and outfits to charitable causes. At Walnut Grove, she led an initiative where residents contributed funds to purchase 10 dolls annually, each receiving 8-10 hand-sewn outfits before being donated to the Open Door Mission and Salvation Army during the holiday season.

In June 2024, Sandy faced health challenges but remained steadfast in her goal of reaching 93, the age both of her parents had lived to see. Her family gathered in November to celebrate this milestone, a testament to her enduring strength and determination.

Still holding her dear in their hearts are her children, Lori (Dave) Pankonin, Plattsmouth; Kim Dunklau, Pilger; Paula (Bill) Bates, Westfield, Ind.; and Dr. John (Stefanie) Chace, Norman, Okla.; 12 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-laws, Nancy (Deryl) Koopmann, Judith (Bill) Jacobs, and Mary Jacobson; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She is now reunited with her husband, Dr. Walter “Bud” (or “Doc”) Chace; son, Dr. Gary Chace; son-in-law, Mike Dunklau; her parents; and her six siblings.

Sandy’s legacy of love, generosity, and service will continue to inspire those who knew her.

The Family suggests memorials be directed to Faith Community Church or Hillcrest Care Center, in Lieu of flowers.