Sandra Kay Swanson (Emery) was a caring wife, mom, grandma, great grandma, sister, aunt and friend . She left this world suddenly on July 21, 2022 at her home. She was born to Lauren and Geneva Emery February 5, 1941. Sandy grew up on a farm in Maroa, Illinois surrounded by beef cattle , chickens, sheep and many other animals learning what hard work really was at a young age . When younger, Sandy worked at a drug store as a cashier and then at a newspaper in the dispatch area making $1.75 an hour for 36 hours . She met her husband Ronald Allen Swanson at the University of Illinois where they both went to college. After a blind date they were married 4 months later on June 24, 1961. Sandy went on to become a wife, mom and homemaker and worked many hours with Ron at their veterinary clinic which they built and established together in Wheaton / Carol Stream , Illinois . Sandy and Ron had 5 children and were married for 61 years . They built their "dream home" and retired in Garfield , Arkansas on Beaver Lake . Sandy was a part of the Lutheran church community and one of the many things she enjoyed doing at church was working for the food pantry . Sandy loved and cared for her family and friends deeply . She always had a kind word for all and would say hello and talk to anyone . Her smile would light up the room. She was a very giving , caring and strong person inside and out. Sandy is survived by her husband Ron Swanson . Her 5 children Susan (Frank) Greco , Michael Swanson, David (Jing Jing ) Swanson , Steven Swanson and Alexandra Swanson (Ivan Concepcion) . Her grandchildren Frankie Greco (Ash Frank ) , Elicia Swanson , Zachary Swanson , Matthew Greco , Caleb Swanson, Asa Swanson and Brandon Greco . Also her 5 month old great grand child Garnet who she had not met yet. Sandy also leaves behind her sister Janet (Harold) Hayward . her niece Jill (Jon) Vondermeij and their children. Her nephew Brad (Sandy) Hayward and their children as well as her cousins . She was proceeded by her parents Lauren and Geneva Emery . There will be a visitation from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. on Friday at the Benton County Memorial Park Funeral Home Chapel with the Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 A.M. Arrangements are with Benton County Memorial Park Funeral Home, 3800 West Walnut, Rogers.