Sandra "Sandy" Ann Van Hout, née Kieliszewski, 75, of Columbia, South Carolina, died on Monday, March 9, 2026. Born on April 25, 1950, in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, she was the daughter of Frank and Ramona Tafelski Kieliszewski.

Sandy was born and raised in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. She attended P. J. Jacobs High School and graduated in 1968. She met her future husband, Craig, who was attending the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point. They married on December 13, 1975. They enjoyed traveling throughout their marriage. She was always interested in learning about new places, so every vacation was sure to include a museum trip and time spent in nature. She moved with Craig to Green Bay, WI, Milwaukee, WI (where they welcomed Sarah), Baltimore, MD (where Laura completed the family), Fayetteville, NC, and finally to Columbia, SC, where they made their home for over 40 years.
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She worked as a teacher's assistant at Windsor Elementary, focusing primarily on 4 and 5 year olds, who she doted on. Increasing debilitative effects of multiple sclerosis (MS) forced her to take an early retirement from the job she loved. Her daughters provided her with seven grandchildren, whom she loved with all her heart.
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In her retirement, she was active in the MS Support Group Community, serving at various stages as a support group leader and advocate. She provided support to many newfound friends who had MS. She enjoyed reading, praying, gardening, and birding.

Survivors include her husband of 50 years, Craig Paul Van Hout; daughters, Sarah Jo Stephens (David Michael) of Panama City, Florida and Laura Van Hout Peterson (Christopher) of Columbia, South Carolina; grandchildren, Owen Paul Peterson, William Robert Peterson, Camille Opal Stephens, Colin Matthew Stephens, Charlotte Eden Stephens, Connor Michael Stephens, and Craig Joseph Stephens. ; as well as her brothers, Robert Kelley of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin and Mark Kieliszewski of Stevens Point, Wisconsin.

A Rosary service will be held at 5 o'clock, Tuesday, March 17th at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia. The family will receive friends at the funeral home following the Rosary until 7 o'clock.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 o'clock, Wednesday, March 18th, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 100 Polo Road, Columbia. Father Alexander McDonald will officiate.

Final Commendation and Farewell Prayers will be said at 3 o'clock, Wednesday, March 18th, at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.