Jonita Faye Sands

Jonita Faye Sands, 69, of Chewey, Oklahoma passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at Northeastern Health System in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

Jonita was born June 1, 1951 in Chewey, Oklahoma to Cornelius Oakball and Sarah Bird-Oakball. She worked as a CNA for the Quail Ridge Living Center and the old Siloam Springs Hospital before retiring to become a homemaker for her family. During her spare time, she would enjoy gardening, quilting, bringing the family together for dinners, and cherished her time spent with her family. She was a faithful Christian and served as the secretary for the Illinois River Baptist Church for many years.

She leaves behind a loving family that includes, her husband, David Sands of the home; 3 daughters, Nanette Sidebottom of Kansas, OK., Sherry Sands of Chewey, OK., and Brandi Harmon and husband, Zach of Flint Ridge, OK; 1 son, Adam Turtle and wife, Tamara of Lake Port, FL; 1 brothers, Kenneth Oakball and wife, Mary of Chewey, OK; 2 sisters, Sharon Benoit of Chewey, OK. and Jean Breed of Tulsa, OK; 13 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and a host of family, friends, and loved ones.

She is preceded in death by her parents and son, Joel Sands.

The visitation will be held Sunday, January 17, 2021 from 4:00pm-6:00pm at Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held Monday, January 18, 2021 at 2:00pm at the Illinois River Baptist Church in Chewey, Oklahoma with Pastor James Wilkerson and Rev. Craig Sands officiating. Burial will follow at Sands Cemetery in Chewey, Oklahoma.