Sandra Kay Kelley

Sandra Kay Kelley
Tuesday, January 11th, 1938 ~ Monday, March 2nd, 2026

Sandra “Zart” Kelley was born on January 11th, 1938 in Burlington, Iowa. She passed away peacefully on March 2nd, 2026 following a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia.

Sandra and her beloved husband, Howard A. Kelley, were married for 35 wonderful years. They enjoyed traveling, dining out, visiting the zoo, and spending time with family and friends. They also spent lots of time gardening; Sandra tended to her orchids and succulents. She had a green thumb and a gift for bringing sick plants back to life. In addition to caring for her plants, she of course also spent time doting on her precious cat. When Sandra wasn’t hosting family get-togethers or gardening, you could find her watching Iowa Hawkeye or Nebraska Husker games.

Before having a family, Sandra was a kindergarten teacher. She later was a restaurant manager at Wendy’s in Omaha. She completed their management certification at the home office in Columbus, OH. While there, she trained with founder Dave Thomas. After moving to California, Sandra was the restaurant manager for Sizzler. She enjoyed restaurant work very much, and always said “ketchup stays in your blood.” Sandra and Howard enjoyed their time living in San Jose, and visiting San Francisco any chance they had.

Sandra is preceded in death by her husband, Howard, her parents, and two sisters, Sharon Schwarz and Arlene Stenoish. She is survived by her three daughters: Mary Maguire (Mike), Sue Larson (Rick), and Ann Worrell; and Howard's three daughters: Peggy Anderson, Susan Kelley, and Annie Kelley; 11 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.


Visitation: 5:00 pm ~ 7:00 pm, Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 at Braman Mortuary Millard Chapel.
Rosary: 6:30 pm, Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 at Braman Mortuary Millard Chapel

Funeral Mass: Friday, March 6th, 2026 at 10:30 am, at St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church.

PRIVATE INTERMENT: Forest Lawn Memorial Park

Donations in Sandra's honor can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.


Braman Mortuary & Cremation Services
6505 S. 144th St.