Sandra “Sandy” Ellen Graves Smith

With loved ones beside her, Sandy passed away peacefully due to complications of heart failure on Thursday, January 7th 2021. Her servant heart is now at rest.

Born February 24th 1947 to Philip Austin and Margaret Hester Ann Graves, Sandy was the eldest of four daughters( Karen Agnew(Clark), Terrill Tom(Randy), and Robin Hoagland(Tom). Sandy graduated from General Douglas MacArthur High School and soon married her friend and love, Robert R Smith in 1967. In the early 70’s, they moved to their beloved Lazy S farm in the Adirondacks where they settled and raised their family of children, and animals.

Married for 30 years, Robert and Sandy enjoyed their life in the country. Sandy worked for 33 years at Johnsburg Central School in both the Elementary Resource room and the High School Library.  Over the years, Sandy stayed busy in the summers with part time work at many local establishments (Smith’s Diner, Grand Union Grocery Store, and Conway’s Country Store). Following the death of her husband Robert in 1997, Sandy moved to Vermont (2003) and then on to Washington State (2011).

Sandy enjoyed gardening, reading, baking/cooking, day trips with friends, crocheting, and taking care of animals/birds during her retirement years. She loved her savior, Jesus and loved God’s word. Though she was a humble, gentle woman, Sandy was nonetheless a powerful prayer warrior and heaven only knows what a wonderful and eternal impact all her many years of faithful praying have had on her family and friends.

Her signature gifts of joy and gab, shown through her tenacious smiling, laughter, and joking around will never be forgotten.

Sandy is survived by her children; Colleen (Harvey) Means of Chehalis, Washington, Roger (Amanda) Smith of Riparius, NY, grandson; Clayton James Smith, sisters; Terri Tom of East Meadow, NY, Robin Hoagland of Chaplin, CT, in-laws; Linda Smith of Riparius, NY and Randy Smith of New York. Sandy had many nieces and nephews both biological and adopted, as well as, many friends on both coasts.

A summer burial and celebration of Sandy’s life will be private per her wishes. As she loved animals, memorial contributions in her name may be made to:

The Lewis County Animal Shelter, 560 Centralia Alpha Road, Chehalis, Washington, 98532

“Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

Proverbs 31:31

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