Jonita Faye Sands

Jonita Faye Sands, 69, of Chewey, Okla., died Jan. 13, 2021, at Northeastern Health System in Tahlequah, Okla.

She was born June 1, 1951, in Chewey to Cornelius Oakball and Sarah Bird-Oakball. She worked as a CNA for the Quail Ridge Living Center and the old Siloam Springs Hospital before retiring to become a homemaker. During her spare time, she enjoyed gardening, quilting, bringing the family together for dinners, and cherished her time spent with her family. She was a Christian and served as the secretary for the Illinois River Baptist Church for many years.

She was preceded in death by a son, Joel Sands.

She is survived by her husband, David Sands of the home; three daughters, Nanette Sidebottom of Kansas, Okla., Sherry Sands of Chewey, and Brandi Harmon and husband, Zach of Flint Ridge, Okla.; one son, Adam Turtle and wife Tamara of Lake Port, Fla.; one brother, Kenneth Oakball and wife Mary of Chewey; two sisters, Sharon Benoit of Chewey and Jean Breed of Tulsa, Okla.; 13 grandchildren; and seven greatgrandchildren.

Visitation will be 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, at Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home in Siloam Springs, Ark.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18, 2021, at the Illinois River Baptist Church in Chewey with Pastor James Wilkerson and the Rev. Craig Sands officiating. Burial will follow at Sands Cemetery in Chewey.

Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home of Siloam Springs, Ark., is in charge of arrangements.