Sandra Cragun

On Tuesday, February 27, 2018, Sandra (Sandy) Kay Bott Cragun passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family. Although we are sad to see Sandy go, we also rejoice in the knowledge that she is finally "free at last" after battling Parkinson's, dementia, and other health struggles for the past 12 years. She will be remembered most as a loving and selfless wife, mother, and friend.

Sandy was born in Ogden, Utah on Friday, June 13, 1947 to Paul and Avon Bott. (Despite being born on an unlucky date, she ended up having a wonderful life.) She has three brothers.

Growing up, Sandy developed her musical talents by involving herself in piano/organ and various singing groups. She was a very talented musician and blessed many throughout her life with the sweet gift of music. Even though she eventually lost the ability to play the piano due to health and mental challenges, you could usually find her humming and singing.

Education was important to Sandy. She loved learning and earned degrees as an RN, teacher (elementary education), and a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. She helped hundreds of patients and students in these capacities. She loved working with preschoolers throughout her career helping them develop speech muscles, overcome speech impediments, and develop self-confidence. In addition to formal education, Sandy frequently took community classes on various topics including photography and dutch oven cooking.

Sandy married Sidney (aka “Sid the kid”) Cragun, on February 10, 1978. They recently celebrated their 40th anniversary! In just seven and a half years, they had five children - a daughter and four sons.

Children have always had a special place in Sandy's heart, but was especially evident as her energy and focus went towards raising her own. We are very appreciative of her selfless sacrifice! She was keen on teaching the importance of education, hard work, a love of music and a sense of humor. Sandy frequently pointed out the beauty of a sunset or a rose in her garden and encouraged all to notice the many beauties that surround us daily.

Sandy was a dedicated mother. She taught all five children how to play the piano and encouraged them to pursue more than one instrument. Through their formative years, each child was involved in a variety of sports and Sandy always made it a priority to attend the games and extracurricular activities in which her children were involved. She also made time for volunteering in their classrooms at school. The family regularly attended symphonies together and she instilled an appreciation of the great outdoors through family camping trips and spending time at her family cabin in Island Park, Idaho.

Sandy is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her love for the gospel and desire to live a Christ like life were a foundation to her life and everything she did. She had the opportunity to serve in a variety of ward and stake callings, but cherished the times she served with primary children most.

It truly takes a village to care for someone and the family is indebted to the many individuals who have been involved in caring for Sandy, including skilled physicians (especially Dr. Perla Thulin), nurses, friends, and neighbors/ward members. They have provided constant and loving care over a period of many years.

Sandy is survived by her husband, Sid Cragun; her five children and their significant others: Stacey (Drew) Tyler, Eric Cragun, Steve (Courtnie) Cragun, Nate (Diana) Cragun, and John (Vanessa) Cragun; her ten grandchildren: Cambria, Aislynn, Skye, Keeli, Gracelyn, Dawson, Dash, Kate, Radley, and Jasper; and her siblings: Mike (deceased) (Liz) Bott, Craig (Pam) Bott, and Kim (Diane) Bott.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the Kaysville East Stake Chapel, 201 South 600 East, Kaysville. Friends may visit family Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the church. Interment, Kaysville City Cemetery.

Services entrusted to Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road.

In lieu of flowers, we encourage donations be made to the Parkinson's Foundation at: www.parkinson.org.