Sandra L. Royle, 81, of Minden passed away on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. A private family service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged at two of Sandra’s favorite organizations: Children’s Hospital in Omaha and the Humane Society.
Please visit www.hlmkfuneral. com to leave a tribute or message of condolence. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Service in Kearney is in charge of arrangements.
Sandra was born Aug. 16, 1944, in Chico, California, oldest child of Loren and Katherine (Keene) Eaton.
She graduated from Thomas County High School in 1962, and married Eugene L. Simonson on June 23, 1963. Together they raised two children in Kearney, Nebraska.
Sandra was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who enjoyed school, dance and sporting events. She loved taking her kids and their friends to the swimming pond at Cottonmill Lake, and she was always available to care for her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.
Sandra was a female pioneer on the molding line at West Company, ran a homebased childcare business, and worked in customer service at Cabela’s. Her high-energy and elaborate holiday costumes brought joy to her co-workers.
Sandra collected angel knick-knacks, loved the color purple and participated in the Red Hat Society. She cherished her cats and her dog Chase, and she and her husband Don were avid bull riding fans.
Sandra is survived by her children, Curt (Katherine) Simonson of Tacoma, Wash., and Terrell (Jamie) Dieter of Alma; grandchildren, Emily Simonson of New York, N.Y., Brandi Simonson and Morgan Yendra of Riverdale, and Sage, Tryan and Trigg Dieter of Alma; great-grandchildren, Carson Simonson and Tinnley Thomas of Riverdale; brother, David (Glenda) Eaton of Idaho, and many nieces and nephews.
Sandra was preceded in death by her father, Loren Eaton and mother, Katherine Eaton; stepdad, Stanley McKimmey, Sr.; husband, Donald Royle; and brothers, Lawrence Eaton, Ronald Eaton, Joe Eaton and Stanley McKimmey, Jr.