Pamela “Sandy” Jean Rector, 81, of Decatur, passed away at 7:55 a.m. Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Decatur Memorial Hospital.

She was born on July 9, 1944, in Vermilion County, Illinois, to Axel Eric and Ruth M. (Glover) Erickson. On June 15, 1963, she married Donald Rector at the Hoopeston United Methodist Church. Mr. Rector survives her.

She is also survived by her daughter- Cassi (Mike) Wildman of Oakley, IL; son- Bryan Rector of Decatur; two grandchildren- Dr. Kaitie (Garrett Mumm) Wildman and Erin (Cody) Woollen; sister-in-law- Kathy Erickson of Colorado Springs, CO; nephew Paul Erickson, niece Lora Bryant and their families also of Colorado Springs, CO.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother- David Erickson.

Sandy graduated from Hoopeston High School in 1962 and later attended Eastern Illinois University. She was employed as an LPN at St. Mary’s in Decatur and Piatt County Nursing Home for several years until her retirement. Sandy was dedicated to her nursing career and to providing care for others. Her interests included shopping, gardening, walking, and caring for animals, particularly her cats.

Private family services are scheduled to take place with interment at Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston. The Blurton Funeral Home of Hoopeston has been entrusted with arrangements to honor Sandy’s life. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family on her memorial page at www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.