Ethel Mae Sandberg, age 74, of Cassville, Missouri.

Ethel Mae Sandberg, age 74, of Cassville, Missouri peacefully left this world from her home on October 26, 2024 at 7:24 p.m., while surrounded by her loving family.

The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Ethel. Her warm sweet personality was contagious to those she met. Ethel's battle with serious medical issues in recent years showed her courage in facing life’s challenges with a smile and caring way, regardless of her pain and discomfort. She absolutely adored her family. Ethel was an inspiration to her family and taught them a great deal about quiet strength, dedication, integrity, love, faith, trust, hope and forgiveness with her words and ways. She always had the best sense of humor about everyday life and was blessed with the straightforward ability to just simply stop and smell the flowers.

Ethel was born October 16, 1950 in Rocky Ford, Colorado the daughter of Alcie Dupree and Bessie Evelyn (Lemons) Byrd. Ethel was one of nine children. She grew up in Colorado and graduated from North Park High School in Walden, Colorado in 1968. Shortly after graduation she met Jim Sandberg at the local grocery store, called Corkles. Jim asked her out on a date and there they fell in love. On March 1, 1970 in Walden, Colorado they were united in marriage. They spent most of their lives in Colorado until Jim retired, at which point they made the decision to relocate to Missouri in order to be closer to their relatives. Ethel’s artistic nature surfaced periodically throughout her life leaving her family with some incredibly unique and cherished pieces of work. Glass etching and making mandalas were a couple of her specialties.

Ethel is survived by her husband of 54 years, Jim Sandberg; one son, Jimmie Sandberg; one daughter, Carol Sandberg; three brothers, Alferd Byrd, Kenneth Byrd and Jerry Byrd and two grandchildren, Reid and Ryan.

She is preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Jimmy Byrd, Richard Byrd, Clarence Byrd and two sisters, Yvonne Varner and Elsie Byrd.

Ethel looked up to and had much admiration for Alfred's wife, Melba and really enjoyed staying in close contact with the two of them albeit the many miles in between. She also had a special place in her heart for all of her dogs. Gypsy and Shadow and Axl and Tootsie were home with her when she passed. The immense love for Ethel is shared by many cousins, nieces, and nephews as well.

Ethel was a sweet, happy, incredibly special lady that will be greatly missed by those that knew her. Truly an amazing soul; they just don't make them like her anymore.

A Special Thank You from the family to all of her friends that have reached out to us.

You can Rest easy now Mom, be at peace ♡

Those that bloom in the hearts of others... never fade away ~

A private service will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements are under direction of Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville. Visit www.fohnfuneralhome.com for online obituaries, guestbook and private condolences.