of Little Rock, AR

September 24, 1944 - February 19, 2025

Santina "Sandy" Maria Ghidotti Hogue, 80, of Little Rock, Ark., passed away February 19, 2025, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Born September 24, 1944, she was a devoted wife to Joseph Ghidotti (until his passing in 1993) and Ronald Hogue and mother to Jason Joseph Ghidotti (Natalie) and Jana Lynette Harral (Chris). She was the oldest daughter of John and Olga Dal Santo and sister to Alice Ostie.

Santina (Sandy to most everyone) was born in Little Rock, Ark., as the oldest in the Dal Santo family, part of the small Italian community of Little Italy, Ark., near Wye Mountain. She was the granddaughter of Ambrogio and Angela Vaccari, some of the town's earliest settlers, who moved from Michigan to Arkansas and co-owned a tavern and winery in Little Italy.

Life growing up in an Italian family focused on wonderful food, fellowship and fun. Sandy had fond memories of time in Little Italy with her many cousins, vacations spent in Chicago visiting family, and lessons from her mom on cooking risotto and polenta.

Sandy graduated from Mount St. Mary's Academy and went straight to work for Riggs Tractor Company. She married another Little Italy resident, Joseph (Joe) Ghidotti in 1966, and raised their two children, Jason and Jana, in Little Rock. Joe was a Little Rock firefighter, and Sandy spent her days working a variety of interesting jobs, including building homes with sister Alice, and staying at home with the kids. The family loved camping, traveling to the Smokies and out west, and spending time at the lake. Sandy and the kids showered Joe with love during his last days of his cancer battle.

With a full life ahead of her, Sandy married Ron Hogue in 1995, building a 30-year marriage focused on friendships, family and spending time with their five children and nine grandchildren. There were many memorable vacations, such as the trip to Italy with Sandy's parents and a fun Hawaiian cruise with friends, along with numerous weekend camping getaways with friends and the grandkids.

The St. Theresa Catholic Church community was an important part of Sandy's life, where she often volunteered with the Altar Society over the years. She spent many quiet hours painting as she was a gifted artist who enjoyed watercolors, oils, charcoals and exploring with colors in landscapes and profiles. Many of her paintings are on the walls of her home and in friends' homes.

Sandy is survived by beloved husband, Ronald Hogue; son and daughter-in-law Jason and Natalie Ghidotti and their children, Nathan and Corinne; daughter and son-in-law Jana and Chris Harral and their children, Logan, Max and Ben; and sister and brother-in-law Alice and Johnnie Ostie. She is also missed by her step-children, Jeremy and Kathleen Hogue and their children, Julia and Jalen; Shannon and Jason St. Claire and their children, Kelsi and Kiarra; Dustin Hogue (deceased); and great-grandchildren, Huxon and Hendrix.

A rosary and visitation for Sandy will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, February 25 at St. Teresa Catholic Church in Little Rock, Ark. A memorial service and burial will be held the next day at 10 a.m. at St. Francis Assisi Catholic Church in Little Italy, Ark., with a reception following in the parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Donations can be made online at: https://tinyurl.com/3efctkkj.

Sign Guestbook

10 Condolence(s)