Sandra S. Gilliland, of Hope, age 88 passed away peacefully on Friday, June 26th, 2026 at Silver Oaks surrounded by her family.

Sandra was born on October 10th, 1937 on the family farm. She was the first born to Albert and Helen Schaefer.

She married her lifelong love Robert (Bob) Gilliland on October 8th, 1955 and they were happily married for 67 years.

In her early years she graduated from Hope School. She was a member of Eastern star, as well as an involved member of the Hope Moravian Church, serving on the board of trustees, and holding many other titles there.

In 1957 she and Bob purchased a Sinclair gas station that they named Gilliland Service. They then went on to start Gilliland Trailer Sales in 1967. They were proud of their camping business and won many awards, as well as trips that allowed them to see places all over the world.

Once retired her and Bob would become avid snowbirds where they would spend their winters in Florida. They also enjoyed to golf and ball room dance together.

Sandra was most proud of her family. She is survived by her children, Karen (Denny) Allen of Sebring, Florida, and Monte (Judy) Gilliland, of Hope; grandchildren, Amber (Jon) Ross of Hope, Cherri Battin of Columbus, and Justice Gilliland of Hope; great-grandchildren, Haley (Carson) St. Andrews of Goldsboro, North Carolina, Joe (Kirsten) Ross of Elizabethtown, and Carter, Chandler, and Cambri Battin, all of Columbus; 3 great-great grandchildren; sister, Georgia McCarty and brother, Alvin (Mary) Schaefer, both of Hope; as well as two sisters-in-law, Martha Boilanger of Greenfield and Shirley Schaefer of Hope.

She is proceeded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Brian Schaefer; and nephews, Jeff Schaefer and Joe Schaefer.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 2nd at Hope Moravian Church. Viewing times will from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday at Hope Moravian Church. Burial will follow at Hope Moravian Cemetery. Arrangements were made by Norman Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be given to Hope Moravian Church or Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.