Sandra Lynn Elliott, 79, of Durango, Colorado, passed away, surrounded by her family, on July 19, 2026, at Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs from injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Durango.

Sandra was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, to Henry and Dorothy Kohring. She grew up in Portland, Oregon and attended Marshall High School before beginning college at Oregon State University. She later graduated from Pacific Lutheran University.

Sandra married Lance Hurt and they moved to Durango in 1974. Together, they raised three children: Allisa, Erica, and Jonathan. While raising her family, Sandra finished a second degree in accounting and became a Certified Public Accountant. She began her career with Hutchison, Hugins and Phillips and ultimately became a partner at that firm, renamed Frederick, Zinc, Elliott. She later established her own accounting practice. She semi-retired in 2016 but remained active in her community. She was involved in numerous community organizations over the years including the Durango Area Chamber and Resort Association (DACRA), the League of Women Voters and the Engage Durango Forums.

Sandra married Dale Elliott in 1992, they and their blended family enjoyed many wonderful years together. Sandra and Dale spent their leisure time fishing, boating, snowmobiling and waterskiing and enjoyed their winters at Happy Trails Resort in Surprise, Arizona. Dale passed on in 2019 with Sandy at his side.

In 2021, Sandra met her partner, Steve Bettis. Steve and Sandra bonded over a love of travel, food and adventure. Over the past five years they traveled to Alaska, Hawaii, Florida, Mexico and took innumerable road trips to little-known places across the Southwest. Steve was also in the car accident that took Sandra’s life and is still in the critical care unit at Penrose Hospital.

Sandra had amazing friendships forged throughout her lifetime and cherished each of them. To many, she was the glue that held everyone together. She was an avid golfer, quilter, bridge player and crafter. Above all, Sandra valued time with her children, grandchildren, and her many friends. Her strength, honesty, and love of family will be remembered by all who knew her.

She is survived by her children, Allisa Oliger, Erica Cooperrider, and Jonathan Hurt; her four grandchildren, Cade, Reiley, Shae and Jace; her partner, Steve Bettis; and her siblings, Rick Kohring and Sherry Hall.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Dorothy Kohring, and her husband, Dale Elliott.

Sandra was a two-time breast cancer survivor. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Mercy Health Foundation and designated to the Mercy Breast Care Center, or to a charity of your choice in Sandra’s honor.

Memorial arrangements are pending as the family awaits Steve’s recovery.