Sondra Sue

Wiley

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Sondra, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, who left this world peacefully on November 7, 2026, due to natural causes. Born on August 17, 1940, in Joplin, Missouri, Sondra's life was a testament to love, resilience, and dedication to family and community.

Sondra's journey began as the cherished daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Ray Hand. She was predeceased by her parents, Rosemary and Cecil Hand, her sister Betty Lou Boysen, her husband Evan James Wiley, and her dear granddaughter Kelsey Lee Osnes. She leaves behind a legacy through her devoted children: Suzan Dancer, Sherry Osnes, and Sandy Snyder; and her grandchildren: Shauna Dancer, Katy Gorden, Shena Monroe, Tyler Osnes, Chantal Nelson, Tristan Taylor, Brittany Volz, Ali Taylor, Sloane Snyder, Mason Snyder and her great grandchildren. She is also survived by her loving brother, James Hand.

Her love story with Evan James Wiley was one for the ages. They met during Evan's leave from the Navy and nurtured their relationship through heartfelt letters until his enlistment concluded. Those letters, cherished by Sondra, will accompany her as she reunites with Evan in eternal rest. They married on May 27, 1961, and together they built a life filled with love and dedication on their ranch, raising their three daughters amidst the idyllic backdrop of their cattle farm.

A devoted rancher’s wife and mother, Sondra's heart was her family. She was an accomplished seamstress, crafting her own wedding dress and those of her bridesmaids, a testament to her creativity and talent. Her artistic flair was evident in the beautiful decor she created for her home and the thoughtful gifts she bestowed upon her loved ones. Sondra's kindness and compassion were felt by all who knew her. She tirelessly volunteered her time to care for her grandchildren and the children in her community, always offering a helping hand and a warm meal.

Sondra's culinary skills were legendary, especially her Mexican recipes, which were beloved by all who gathered at her table. Her legacy of love and caregiving extended to the beef cattle she and Evan raised, providing homegrown beef to their adult children, a tradition she continued until Evan passed away.

A service to honor Sondra’s life will be held on November 12, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the First Baptist Church. Family and friends are invited to celebrate her life and share in the memories of a woman whose warmth and generosity touched so many.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations to the family of Sondra Wiley, reflecting her spirit of giving and her commitment to helping others.

Sondra's life was a beautiful tapestry of love, family, and community. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy of kindness and compassion will live on in the hearts of those she touched.

Funeral service for Sondra Wiley, age 86 of Valentine, will be held on Thursday, Nov. 12th at 11:00 AM at the First Baptist Church in Valentine. The burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 11th from 5 to 7 PM at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines. Sondra passed away on Nov. 7th at the Sandhills long Term Care Center in Ainsworth.

The funeral service can be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/@firstbaptistchurchofvalent575/live?utm_source=chatgpt.com