Sandra “Sandi” Jo Dilling, 87, of Salina, Ks, peacefully crossed over on Friday Feb 2, 2024, surrounded by family. Sandi was born in Salina on June 25, 1936. She graduated from Salina High in 1954. She attended Midland College in Fremont, Nebraska for a year majoring in English then returned to Salina, where she attended Brown Mackie to gain secretarial skills.

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. She and Ken divorced in 1978. Sandi received her bachelor’s degree from Kansas Wesleyan in 1986. Sandi worked as a receptionist/clerk at the YWCA, later becoming the office manager. Sandi next worked 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 is survived by her daughters, Tamara 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. She is also survived by 2 nephews, 5 great-grandchildren, several cousins, and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Delmer (1983) and Gladys (2002) Dilliing, her brother, Tracy Dilling (2017) and her son, Kevin Perry (2000).

The service will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 1 p.m. and a lite luncheon will follow after, all at Ryan Mortuary in Salina, Ks. Graveside service will be held at a later date.

Memorials can be donated to Rolling Hills Zoo or Salina Animal Services and sent in care of Ryan Mortuary.