Sandra “Sandi” B. Whitson, age 78, of North Platte, NE, passed away Wednesday, February 18,

2026, at Great Plains Health.

Sandra was born October 12, 1947, to Glenn (Hoot) and Wilma McConnell in Auburn, NE.

Sandi grew up in Auburn with her four siblings, graduating from Auburn High School in 1965.

She then worked for the Lincoln Telephone Co. before moving to North Platte in 1967. There

she met Jerry Whitson, and the two were married on October 19, 1970. She then worked for

Walmart and North Platte Public Schools at Lincoln Elementary as a cook before retiring from

Walmart in 2021 after 27 years.

Sandi will be remembered for her love of Kermit the Frog and Barry Manilow. She watched

her shows religiously and was always on the lookout for good deals while thrifting. She kept her

loved ones clothed with Dollar Bag Day at the New Opportunity Thrift Store. She also cared for

them with her crocheting, leaving behind many blankets, potholders, doll clothes, and many

other items for all her loved ones to remember her by. Among her loved ones, her

grandchildren and grand dogs held a special place in her heart. She loved seeing them, though

her grand dogs’ gifts of wild animals were not always appreciated. Even so, she loved and cared

for all of her family, and her presence will be missed dearly.

Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter Melissa (Craig) Malsbury; sons Rob (Tina)

Whitson, Darren (Phillip Patton) Whitson of Tulsa, OK, Larry (Tracy) Whitson, and Don Whitson of Lincoln, NE; brothers 

Dennis (Rose) McConnell, granddaughters Season (George) Gipe, Ashley (Bo) Young, and Arlana (Cameron)

Walther; grandson Reed Wagner; and great-granddaughter Lillian Gipe.

Sandra is preceded in death by her husband Jerry and brothers Bob McConnell and Gary M.

McConnell.

Cremation was chosen. Inurnment will occur at a later date. Carpenter Memorial Chapel has

been entrusted with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the FUR Animal Rescue or Paws-itive Partners.

Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared at carpentermemorial.com.