Emerald Sands, age 85, passed away on June 17, 2026, at Sylvan Crossings of Fitchburg. Born in Richland Center, WI on June 14, 1941, to her parents Donald and Ione (Webb) Hewuse.

Emerald was married to Ronald Sands on July 3, 1959. They were married for 37 years before he passed away on December 5, 1996.

Emerald was a housewife for her first years of marriage. She then went into retail when her children were older. Emerald opened her own clothing store for two years and also went into real estate with her husband when her children were grown. She was a wonderful grandmother that watched her grandchildren when they were young.

Emerald is survived by her brother, Eugene (David) and sisters, Beverley (Jim), Veronica (Arvord) and Vivian. She was preceded in death by her brother, Ronnie.

Emerald was a loving mother to her children, Dave (Gail), Mike (Carrie), Matt (Kathy) and Sue. She also had nine grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Avenue. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Sunday at the funeral home. A private family interment will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park.

Emerald fought a courageous battle with dementia and Alzheimer’s during her last few years.

In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to Agrace Hospice or Sylvan Crossings of Fitchburg.

To view Emerald’s obituary or to leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Emerald Sands

June 14, 1941 - June 17, 2026

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