Sandra Elser

Sandra J. Elser, 88, of Fort Wayne, passed away on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Kingston Residents. She was born on December 9, 1937, in Bryan, Ohio, to the late Paul and DeElda (Gaff) Knafel. She spent her formative years in Albion and Eel River Township and graduated from Huntertown High School in 1955. After graduating from high school, she began her career in banking. She retired from Bank One in 1995 after seven years of service. She was previously employed by Lincoln National Bank for 24 years and Waterfield Mortgage Company for seven years. All her time in banking was spent in the Mortgage loan departments, either as an underwriter or Originator. After retiring, she spent her winters in Fort Myers, FL. She was a member of First Christian Church on Calhoun Street. While working, she had been a member of the American Business Women's Association, where she held various offices, including enrollment in American Institute of Banking classes and serving in the Association. She loved to read throughout her life and became proficient at cross-stitching, giving many pictures and articles away to family and friends, while keeping many more for herself. She is survived by her son, Chris (Tammy McClintock) Elser; her daughter, Karen Peterson; daughter-in-law, Susan Elser; her long-time companion, Ric Cimini; her grandsons, Timothy (Ashton) Elser, Michael Peterson, and Lucas Peterson; two step-granddaughters, Kate Caudill and Abby Caudill; and great-grandchildren, Kinley, Greyson, and Norah. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Wanda Maroney and Betty Smith. A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at Sheets & Childs Funeral Home, Churubusco Chapel, with calling one hour prior to the service. The family will also receive friends and family at the funeral home on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Burial will take place in the Eel River Cemetery. Instead of flowers, consider donating a tree in her honor or making a memorial contribution to the Noble County Humane Shelter. Sheets & Childs Funeral Home has been entrusted with these arrangements.