Sandra Hochwart

Sandra Hubbard Hochwart (Sandy), beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, 86, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at the Fairwinds Sand Creek (A Leisure Care Community), Idaho Falls, ID. The family would like to thank the wonderful care and friendship she received from the Fairwinds staff and community during her stay.

Sandy was born on November 7, 1939, in Rigby, Idaho, to Leland (Lee) and Lenore Hubbard. She grew up and attended grade school and junior high in Rigby, ID, along with her two older sisters (Deanna and Lynda). Her family then moved to Roberts where they opened and operated The Roberts Café. She worked as a waitress and learned many cooking skills from her Father who was a great Chef.

Sandy attended Roberts High School. She was on the cheer squad, played in the band, and participated in a variety of other activities. She graduated from Roberts High School in 1958.

While in high school, she met James Lamar Ellis (Lamar), and they were married soon after she graduated. They lived in Pocatello, ID, for two years while Lamar was attending Idaho State University. They welcomed their first child, Misty Lee, August 15, 1959. In 1960, Lamar moved Sandy and Misty to the Crooked Creek Ranch, 30 miles west of Dubois, ID, to help on the family ranch. Their first son Steven James (Jim), was born August 7, 1960, and on December 09, 1961 their last child, Mikle Wayne (Mike) was born. They remained at the ranch until 1981 when it was sold. Sandy and Lamar moved into the old Ellis’ family house on 4th Street in Idaho Falls, ID. During this time, they were divorced and Sandy remained in Idaho Falls where she worked as a dietician in the hospital cafeteria. She also attended the Glenn E. Clark Business College and completed a course of instruction in Medical Receptionist and Word Processing in June, 1983.

She reconnected with an old friend, Lawrence Joseph Hochwart (Larry), they fell in love and were married on April 6, 1985, in Carson City, NV. She and Larry lived in Roberts until they sold the farm in 2013. They then moved to Star, ID, where they lived before making their final move to St. Anthony, ID, in the fall of 2016. Following Larry’s retirement, they began spending their winters in Yuma, AZ, where they spent their time enjoying life and hanging out with many great friends. Sandra continued spending winters in Arizona after Larry’s death.

Sandy worked hard throughout her life. She was a great cook and loved hosting friends and family for dinners and other gatherings. She enjoyed fishing, crocheting, crafting, and spending time with her family and friends.

She is survived by her children: Misty (Rick) Berrett, of Saint Anthony, Jim Ellis, of Pocatello, and Mike (Chris) Ellis, of Kettle Falls, WA, her sister: Lynda (Gailyn) Peterson, of Caldwell; 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence Joseph Hochwart, Parents; Leland Ray Hubbard and Hazel Lenore Barrow Hubbard; 1 sister, Deanna Rae (Elmer) Wilde; 2 half-sisters Phyllis Irene Hubbard Worth and Shirley Lee Hubbard Webster.

A celebration of life memorial will be held June 13, 2026, at Roberts Community Church (637 N 2872 E, Roberts, ID). The family will meet with friends prior to the service from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow at the Roberts Market Lake Cemetery. Family and friends are invited back to the church following the interment for a light lunch.