Sandra V. (Springer) Richards Mihlbachler (75) of Effingham

Sandra V. (Springer) Richards Mihlbachler, 75, of Effingham, IL, passed away on Friday, April 30, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:30AM on Monday, May 3, 2021 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham. Burial will follow at St. Anthony Cemetery, Effingham. Visitation will be held for family and friends on Monday, from 10:00AM to 11:30AM, prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Anthony Educational Trust or Effingham Catholic Charities. Arrangements are in the care of Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham.

Sandy was born on October 21, 1945 in Effingham, IL to Clarence J. and Clara M. (Buennemeyer) Springer. A little-known fact about Sandy is for the first two years of her life, she and her parents lived in an apartment above the family-owned former Green Lantern restaurant. It was said, she was quite popular with the establishment’s patrons.

Sandy was a graduate of St. Anthony Grade and High School and was the valedictorian of her senior class in 1963. She went on to study x-ray technology at Methodist Hospital of Radiologic Technology in Peoria, IL and completed training in June of 1965. Sandy began her employment at St. Anthony Memorial Hospital and was a dedicated member of the staff for 47 years. She started as an x-ray technologist, then became an ultrasound sonographer, and finished her career co-managing the hospital Imaging Office.

On July 31, 1965, Sandy married Ted A. Richards. They were married for 35 years and were blessed with two children, Teri and Jeff. Ted preceded her in death on November 30, 2000.

On May 6, 2007, Sandy married Robert Mihlbachler, they enjoyed traveling together and wintering in Florida.

Sandy was a lifetime member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, a member of the Altar Sodality, St. Anthony Adult and Funeral Choirs, and the CD of A. She served as a lector at mass and was a member of the parish Stewardship Committee for 12 years. Sandy spent her free time golfing, playing in several card clubs, and most recently discovered an affinity for playing mahjongg. She loved her children and grandchildren passionately and was delighted to follow all of their sporting events and extracurricular activities.

Sandy was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She will be remembered for being able to be in two places at once and burning the candle at both ends. She will be dearly missed. The family would like to thank all those who showed kindness to Sandy during her lifetime.

Sandy is survived by her husband, Bob Mihlbachler of Effingham; her children, Teri (Joe) Meyer of Naperville, IL, Jeff (Julie) Richards of Effingham; her six granddaughters, Molly, Megan, Maddie Meyer, and Kate, Emma, Meg Richards; her siblings, Vic (Nancy) Springer of Scottsdale, AZ and Cindy Bass of Robinson, IL; her brother-in-law, Jim Wolters of Effingham; her three step-children, Jeff (Penny) Mihlbachler, Angie (Phil) Lark, and Rob (Michelle) Mihlbachler all of Effingham ; her four step-grandchildren, Ryne, Molly, Kate Mihlbachler and Leighton Lark; and her eight nieces and nephews.

Sandy was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Elaine Springer and Carol “Cookie” (Springer) Wolters; and her first husband, Ted Richards.