It is with great sadness that the family of Sandra Lea “Gigi” Grau, from Morrison, IL, announces her passing, at Allure of Prophetstown, on Monday, September 25, 2023, at the age of 86.
Sandra Lea was born on February 9, 1937, in Chillicothe, IL, to Irvin and Elsie Mae (Cooper) Hines. Sandy was a proud graduate of Morrison High School. On April 22, 1956, she was united in marriage to Merle Lester “Bompey” Grau, in Morrison. Merle preceded her in death on January 9, 2019.
Sandy dedicated her life to her family and was Merle’s right-hand woman, on the third generation of Grau farms. She had a diverse career, including working at Whiteside County Bank; serving as a dedicated Mail Carrier for the U. S. Postal Service; working as a Real Estate Agent for Ray Harvey and Smith & Associates Real Estate Companies. Sandy was deeply involved in her community and cherished her memberships in the PEO Sisterhood, the Morrison Boosters, and Morrison United Methodist Church, where she shared her beautiful voice in the choir.She was an avid golfer and belonged to Morrison Country Club. For many years, she played in Ladies Lincoln Highway Golf Tournament and was equally excited to spend a day on the course with Merle and friends. Sandy and Merle shared a passion for travel, crisscrossing the United States, coast-to-coast, to support their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren’s activities. They spent 20 delightful winters in The Villages, FL, creating treasured memories together.
Sandy is survived by her loving family, including her daughters, Lauri (Keith) Meier of Lyndon, IL, and Lindy (Art) Angeli of Lakewood, CO; son, Mitch (Carole) Grau of Carrollton, TX; seven grandchildren, Dawn Temple, Cole Temple, Ashley Angeli (Travis) Kupfer, Jordan and Darik Angeli, Kyle (Stacy) Grau, and Scott Grau; six great-grandchildren, Miles and Logan (Dawn), Addison and Callum (Ashley), Teague and Marren (Kyle); three step-grandchildren, Amada (Joe) Hendrix, Mike (Jodi) Meier, and Andy Meier; sister, Roberta (Robert) Blean.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Irvin and Elsie Hines; beloved husband, Merle Grau; sister, Beverly (Carlos) Lynch.
Cremation rites have been accorded, and there will be no services.
The family will be hosting a Visitation/Celebration of Sandy’s life in the future.
We deeply appreciate those that have reached out, as it has given us comfort during this difficult time.
The Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Morrison United Methodist Church; the American Alzheimer’s Association; (as a 7-year survivor of Pancreatic Cancer) to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.