Sandra Draves

Sandra Gwendolyn Draves, age 78, of Brainerd, Minnesota died from complications of Alzheimer’s on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at Good Samaritan Society – Bethany in Brainerd, Minnesota with her loving family by her side.  A celebration of Sandra’s life will be held at 12PM on December 27, 2019 at the Bethany Chapel in Brainerd.  Pastor Barb Christenson will officiate and a private interment will take place at a later date.  Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the Bethany Chapel in Brainerd.

Sandra was born on July 17, 1941 in Brainerd to Cromwell “Bud” and Grace (Leimers) Stanley.  She was an only child, and is a 1959 graduate of Washington High School in Brainerd.  Sandra was united in marriage to Duane Draves on April 26, 1960.  The couple and their daughters enjoyed many years of traveling and loved spending time at their cabin on North Long Lake.  Sandra was a loving mother to her two daughters, Shawn and Leigh.  She was compassionate and generous to family, friends, and everyone she met through life.  Sandra fought a brave battle with Alzheimer’s, but never complained.  The family rejoices that Sandra is finally at peace.

Sandra is survived by her daughters, Shawn (Bruce) Miller of Fifty Lakes, MN, Leigh (Mark) Melby of Brainerd, MN; grandsons, Spencer Melby, and Peyton Melby.  She was preceded in death by her father, Cromwell “Bud” Stanley; mother, Grace (Clarence) Moyer; and husband, Duane Draves.

Sandra’s daughters would like to thank the staff of Northern Lakes Senior Living and most recently, Good Samaritan Society - Bethany for the wonderful care of their mother.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred.