Sandra J. Cline

Sandra J. Cline, founder and CEO of Freedom Homes Ministries, passed away Friday, June 18, 2021, at her home in Davenport, Iowa.

A gathering to celebrate Sandy’s remarkable life will be held and announced in the near future. Cremation will take place at Trimble Crematory, Moline, under the direction of Trimble Funeral Home.

The former Sandra June Walkup was born July 26, 1946, in Dwight, Illinois, the daughter of William H. Sr. and Irene (Smith) Walkup. She married the love of her life, Jerry Mendoza. He died July 31, 2014.

She was a room parent, PTA member, Brownies and Girl Scout leader, and much more for her daughter, Barbara. In addition, she worked as a realtor, cosmetologist, correctional officer, City Council member, and much more.

Her legacy and life’s work was as founder and CEO of Freedom Homes Ministries. Freedom Homes Ministries is a transitional housing program for people who want to start over in life with Christ. She made it her mission to wake up each morning and save as many people as she could. Her passion is helping homeless veterans, as she recently opened a Veterans Home. To date, Sandra has been able to assist over 40 homeless veterans and counting.

The only thing she enjoyed more than her life’s work was a Large Coke (No Ice) from McDonalds.

Sandy is survived by her daughter, Barbara Galarza of Bloomington, Illinois; two grandchildren, Dennis and Michael Engel; two great-grandchildren, Sophia and Wil Engel; many nieces and nephews; and adopted daughter, Angie Walker (Niikaaye) and her adopted grandchildren, Amunique, Nia, and Nasir Walker. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and siblings, Darlene Miller, Alma Hall, William Walkup, Jr., Wilma Kolojay, and John Thomas Walkup and special friend; Suzanne Salter.

The family invites friends to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.