Published on July 24, 2026 3:11 pm
Last Updated on July 24, 2026 3:12 pm
Sandra Kay (Volpi) Phillips, 83, of Effingham, IL, passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at Lakeland Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Effingham.
Per Sandra’s wishes, a celebration of life will be planned by the family for a later date. Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made directly to Riding Warriors (Horse Therapy for Children with Special Needs) at https://www.ridingwarriors.org. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
Sandra was born on June 4, 1943, in Effingham, IL, the daughter of Lynn and Myrtle (Shumaker) Ready. She loved growing up on the family farm outside of Mason, IL with her 7 brothers and sisters. She graduated from Effingham High School in 1961. Sandra married Frank Volpi and had their 3 sons, Tony, Scott, and Curtis. Sandra made a career at the Effingham Title Company/Taylor Law Offices, serving for over 40 years. Sandra had a passion for the outdoors and her family. She was a fantastic cook and was always welcoming people to share a delicious meal around her table (although, she would always be standing). Sandra’s favorite things were horses, Elvis, and the Chicago Cubbies. But, above all, Sandy loved kids: specifically, her grandkids, great-grandkids, and many nieces and nephews who called her Aunt Kay. She had a heart for every child she met and made a lasting impact on many young lives with her kindness and fun.
Sandra is survived by her sons, Tony Volpi of Effingham, Scott (Kacie) Volpi of Lakewood Ranch, FL, and Curtis (Julie) Volpi of Nashville, TN; grandchildren, Sabra, Dillon (wife, Andee), Tyson, Jett, Isabella, and Cooper; great-grandchildren, Haden, Eleanor, and Victoria; and siblings, Dale Ready and Lynda Ready.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and siblings, Barb Ready, Urban (Buck) Ready, Johnny Ready, Jerry Ready, and Jim Ready.