Sandra Rhodes Homan

Sandy Homan, a resident of Searcy, Arkansas, passed away on Tuesday, July 7th, after a courageous battle with ALS. She was born in Berwyn, Illinois, to her loving parents, Charles and Kelsie Rhodes. Sandy grew up in Lyons and later moved to LaGrange, Illinois, and was a happy, active child.

Sandy graduated from Lyons Township High School in 1970 and went on to receive her bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University. Later she earned her Master of Business Administration degree from Northern Illinois University and worked as a financial planner with her own Money Concepts franchise. Next in her career, Sandy began working with the railroads–first working for Illinois Central Gulf, then moving to New Jersey where she worked as Director of Line Sales for Conrail.

In New Jersey Sandy joined a ski club where she met the love of her life, Robert Homan. Three decades of adventures with Bob began with skiing in Europe and exploring the Northeast U.S. on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle but soon included an Airstream RV. After Sandy’s fight with cancer, she was finally declared cancer free. She then retired from the railroad, and the Drifters were born. Along with Sandy’s beloved yorkie, they embarked on a Celebration of Life Tour. This extensive trip throughout the United States included most National Parks from the Florida Keys to Maine and extended to faraway Alaska. Sandy and Bob hiked and kayaked, with Bob taking numerous photos along the way. This is when Sandy truly became an integral part of Robert Homan Photography as the behind-the-scenes digital guru. Other adventures included Sandy and Bob hiking to many of the highest peaks in the U.S. together.

Soon after their return from the Celebration of Life Tour, Sandy and Bob moved from New Jersey to be closer to her parents, having a home built in Searcy. Here Sandy began line dancing and taking part in many exercise classes, in addition to meeting new friends through four-wheeling. Sandy and Bob joined St. Paul Methodist Church where she served on the financial committee and recently enjoyed meeting regularly with other widows there.

Sandy’s interests included spoiling her yorkies, reading, playing computer games going for walks, and working on an occasional puzzle. Her favorite T.V. show was NCIS. Sandy was always willing to give sound financial advice or drop what she was doing to come to the aid of a close friend or relative. She will be sorely missed by so many neighbors, friends, and family.

Sandy is survived by her mother, Kelsie Rhodes; her sister, Janet (Jerry) Taylor and their adult children–Jessica (JD) Bacon, Jamie Taylor, and Jenae Taylor; a close cousin, Kristi Payne; a dear aunt, Dorothy Coates; Bob’s beloved children–Candyce (Dan) Chimera, Mellysa Homan, Rick (Marnia) Beck, and KC (Anne) Beck, along with their children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Homan, and her father, Charles Rhodes.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the ALS Association at 1919 University Ave. W., Suite 175, St. Paul, MN 55104 or St. Paul Global Methodist Church at 2509 W. Beebe Capps Expy., Searcy, AR 72143.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 18th, at St. Paul Methodist Church in Searcy. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m.