Ethel Roberts Sandidge Kelly

Ethel Roberts Sandidge Kelly, 96, of Venice, Florida, was lovingly surrounded by family and friends as she passed away peacefully on June 28, 2025, at Haven Suwannee Valley Hospice in Lake City, Florida.   

Born on November 18, 1928, Ethel was raised on a farm in Kentucky by her grandparents Russell and Ethel May Roberts.  She was preceded in death by her husbands, Ralph Earl Sandidge and John Joseph Patrick Kelly; her children, Baby Boy Sandidge and Rhonda Lee Sandidge; her stepdaughter, Jeannie Rayner; and one granddaughter and one step-grandson. 

Ethel was a true pioneer in the telephone industry during her career, where she dedicated 35 years of her professional life working in various capacities for the phone company in both Kentucky and Florida.  

A woman of deep faith with a heart for service, Ethel was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Venice, Florida, where she served on the Visitation Committee. Even into her early 90’s, she made weekly rounds to visit and pray with any parishioner who needed a friendly face. She also more recently attended First Baptist Church of Live Oak, FL, and Grayson United Methodist Church in Grayson, GA. 

Ethel’s true passion in life was her family.  She never missed an opportunity to attend her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s soccer games, performances, meets, graduations, weddings, baptisms and birthdays. She brought her love, energy, laughter and charisma to every gathering.  Ethel travelled extensively, many times organizing big groups for adventurous cruises around the world or making her way around North American campgrounds in her beloved RV.  To Ethel, a stranger was simply a friend she just hadn’t met yet, and all those who were honored to know her loved her.  When at home, she loved to pass the time watching her beloved Atlanta Braves and later, Tampa Bay Rays. 

 She is survived by her loving children: sons Lloyd (Sandy) Sandidge of Monroe, GA, and David (Ray) Sandidge of Winter Park, FL; and daughter Joanne Johnstone of Live Oak, FL. She is also survived by stepdaughters Cathleen Hahn and Diane Kelly, both of Colorado Springs, CO. Ethel leaves behind a legacy of love in her 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. 

Ethel will be remembered for her strength, warmth, faith, and devotion to family and friends. Her life was a reflection of love, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. 

A visitation will be held at Farley’s Funeral Home in Venice, FL on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 from 10:00AM-11:00AM with the funeral service to begin at 11:00AM. Interment at Sarasota National Cemetery will take place at 1:30PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ethel's memory to the Humane Society of Sarasota County Florida. To send a condolence or memory please visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com.