Sandra "Sandi" Jo Dilling, 87, of Salina, Ks, peacefully crossed over on Friday Feb 2, 2024, surrounded by family. Sandi was born at home in Salina on June 25, 1936. She attended Whittier Elementary, Roosevelt Jr High, and the newly opened Salina High School, graduating in 1954. She made many life-long friends from these schools. After high school she attended Midland College in Fremont, Nebraska for a year majoring in English. Sandi returned to Salina, attended Brown Mackie to gain secretarial skills. She held jobs at The Pines as a soda jerk in high school, then worked at a large equipment firm that sold the Caterpillar and Furco brands as a secretary. Sandi met Kenneth Perry, who was stationed at Schilling Air Force base, and married him in 1958. She was a homemaker for the next several years and worked as a cook for the Martin Luther King Day Care Center during that time. She achieved her bachelor’s degree from Kansas Wesleyan in 1986 with a major in business and minor in psychology. Sandi went to work as a receptionist/clerk at the YWCA where she later became the office manager. Sandi began working at the Domestic Violence Center of Central Kansas (DVACK) as a rape and domestic violence counselor. She was promoted to the Executive Director of DVACK where she opened a new Safe House. After retirement, Sandi worked at Schilling Elementary as a Foster Grandparent, helping children improve their reading, writing and math skills.
Sandi was a generous, loving, vibrant, witty and creative person. She loved animals including her dogs and cats. She pursued many creative outlets including beading jewelry, ceramics, making clothes, and cross-stitching. Sandi was very involved with her family, including her parents, children, brother, cousins and nephews.
Sandi is survived by her daughters, Tamara “Tami” Perry of Salina, Ks and Tracy Parks (Gordon) of Marion, Ks. Granddaughters are Keegan (Tyler) Bailey of Beloit, Ks; Carissa (Lee) Wigton, Olpe, Ks; and Cheyenne Perry-Parks of Olpe, Ks. Don Dlling (Betty)of Pratt, Ks and Doug Dilling of Indianapolis, Indiana, one niece and several cousins also survive Sandi. She is also survived by 5 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by Gladys (2002) and Delmer (1983) Dilliing her parents, her brother Tracy Dilling (2017) and her son Kevin (2000) Perry.
Sandi was a loving, witty, creative people-person. She enjoyed her family, her friends and life.
The service will be held on Saturday, February 17,2024 at 1 p.m., and a lite luncheon will follow, at Ryan Mortuary, Salina, Ks. Graveside service will be held at later date.
Memorials can be donated to Rolling Hills Zoo or Salina Animal Services and sent in care of Ryan Mortuary.