Danielle Sanford

Danielle Sanford, age 57, of Marshalltown, passed away on the morning of Thursday, June 12, 2025 at the Southridge Specialty Care in Marshalltown, a place she has called home since October of 2022 and a place she was loved.

Danielle grew up in Central Iowa alongside one sister to parents known to her and God. She married at age 16 to start a family.

During her time at Southridge Specialty Care, she became an honorary staff member and even wore a name badge as Facility Greeter. She could often be found sitting near the front door, greeting folks as they came in and stating "Welcome to Southridge!”

Though the transition from independent life to long term care can be difficult, Danielle embraced her new way of life after a few months and created many special bonds with staff, especially Diane Yilek (who was well-known by staff as “Danielle's favorite”).

In her free time, Danielle liked playing games on her tablet, and participating in various activities like manicures, happy hour, and musical events. She also enjoyed listening to a wide variety of music genres, with gothic alternative metal (like Evanescence and Staind) being her “go to.” She loved chocolate, Mountain Dew and “good lookin’ men.”

Her Southridge family and Care Initiatives Hospice provided so much peace to her in the last months. Her room was decorated with gifts from the staff of little succulents and stuffed animals (especially ones about her favorite singer, Pink). They will deeply miss her presence and her sarcastic sense of humor.

Left to cherish her memory are her children that she was blessed to bring into the world. They followed different paths in life and are known only to Danielle. Any other family members are unknown as well as those preceding her in death.