Neva Sands

Neva Parker Sands was born in Clear Lake, Iowa on July 25, 1903 to John and Eda (Knutson) Parker.  They moved to a farm east of Hancock, Minnesota in March 1912.  Neva attended school in Clear Lake through the 3rd grade.  She attended 4th thru 12th grade in Hancock, graduating in 1921.  After high school, Neva attended a teacher’s training school in Preston, Minnesota.  She taught in rural schools for six years in Stevens and Pope Counties.

Neva was married to Lyall Sands in Willmar, Minnesota on December 28, 1927.  Two children were born to this union, James and D. JoAnn.  The family lived on farms east of Hancock until 1972 when they moved to Hancock because of Lyall’s health.  Lyall passed away in December, 1973.  Neva sold her house and moved to an apartment in 1992.  Due to failing health, she moved to assisted living in Skyview Court in Morris, MN in 2003.  In 2006, she moved to the Minnewaska Lutheran Home in Starbuck, MN.

Neva was a long time member of the First Congregational Church in Hancock.  She belonged to the Hancock Senior Citizen Club, Card Club and Homemakers.

Neva died on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 at the Minnewaska Lutheran Home in Starbuck, having lived to reach the age of 104 years.

Left to mourn her are two children:  James (Ruth) Sands and D. JoAnn (Dennis) Motzko; eight grandchildren:  Gary Sands, Dennis (Terrianne) Sands, Jody (Ty) Sackschewsky, Dana (Todd) Davis, Mary Beth (Mike) McParlan, Patti (Brian) Hilt, Cindy (Terry) Ruedy and Tim (Janet) Motzko; 17 great-grandchildren:  Michael Sands, Joshua Sands,  Adam and Bakar Sackschewsky, Tyler Davis, Nathan (Jean) McParlan, Aaron (Marit) McParlan, Rebekah, David and  Mikaela McParlan, Darei, Teresa and Kelli Hilt, Brianne and Allyson Ruedy and Addy and Greta Motzko; five great-great-grandchildren:  Michael, Elijah, Chloe, Magnus and Linnea McParlan.  She was preceded in death by her husband:  Lyall Sands; parents:  John and Eda Parker; brother: Lloyd; sister: Margaret Hier and great-grandson Zachary Davis.