Berniece (Bennie) Sands, age 70, passed away on February 9, 2025, surrounded by family. Bennie was a strong woman with a unique spirit. She deeply loved her family and friends and had a passion for helping others. Bennie also enjoyed woodworking, flea market shopping, refurbishing old things, taking care of her lawn and flowers, floating on the river, spending time outdoors, cooking, and spending time with friends. Bennie will be remembered for her generosity, perseverance, creativity, and sense of humor.
Bennie was born October 1, 1954 to Robert and Helen Dawson. She grew up in Ottumwa, IA, with her parents and siblings. In 1970, Bennie started her family with Steve Welch, and they welcomed their son Eric and later daughter Gina. In 1975, Bennie married Bob Sands, expanding the family with his four sons, Rick, Randy, Rusty, and Robby, and later welcoming a daughter together, Peggy. In 1978, they moved to Unionville, MO and spent many years there raising children, owning and operating small businesses, and building friendships in the community. Bennie relocated to Milan and later to Nebraska for work before settling into Springfield, MO, as her home.
Bennie was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Helen Dawson. She is survived by her sisters, Sandra, Victoria, and Margaret. Her children and their families also survive her: Rick and Shawney Sands and children; Nathan Sands and daughter Mya; Ciarra and Tommy Waszaj and children Zion, Selah, and Shiloh; Zachary Sands’ daughter Haven; and Jonathon Nichols. Randy and Anna Sands and children: Kristen Sands; and Brandon Sands and son Eliott. Rusty and Laura Sands and children: Savanah and Brad Shoemaker and children Drayven, Braelyn, and Rylan; Grant and Matthew Sands; and Kerbee Willier. Robby Sands and children: Sabrina Sands; Kelsey and Adam Fisk and children Karlee and Maverick; and Tyler and Lexi Shanahan and children. Eric and Chrissy Welch and children: Mercadez and Michael Spotz and children Maelie and Memphis; Dalton and Blade Welch; and Collin Allen. Gina and Scott Wolf and children: Dexter and Jaggar Deeds; and Pheonix, Cheyenne, and Graci Wolf. Peggy and Justin McDannald and children: Jaelah and Jakoeby McDannald.
The family would like to express gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this time. Bennie’s family and friends will honor her privately and celebrate the memories of times shared with her.
