Sandra L. Kravik, 65

Sandra L. Kravik was born Sept. 19, 1947, in Missoula, Mont., to George and Patsy Pramenko. She came to the family home on University Avenue, where four siblings awaited. It was not long into her childhood that she realized it was the best of time and place. Her childhood world stretched from Mt. Sentinel to Bonner Park to Paxson School and the Dairy Queen. There was much to do and many friends who would join in, especially in the nightly games of “kick the can” during those endless Montana summer twilights.

Music was a focal point of the family and Sandy was soon playing the piano and singing. Beginning in seventh grade at Paxson and through high school, she sang in many select groups, and also was the accompanist when requested. Her brother Jim taught her how to play the guitar. She was in several musicals. She also was selected as a delegate to Montana Girls’ State and National Honor Society and was a proud cheerleader for the Spartans, graduating from Missoula County High School in 1965.

Entering the University of Montana that fall, Sandy joined Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority and Angel Flight. She was a Griz cheerleader for three years, and graduated in 1969 with a degree in History/Political Science. In the fall of 1969, she met Jim Kravik, formerly of Havre who was then teaching in Coeur d’Alene. Their shared interests in music, sports and history made for a quick courtship, and they married in Coeur d’Alene on Jan. 3, 1970.

Sandy began what would become a stellar career as a teacher when she was hired by Coeur d’Alene School District that semester. She taught English, Government, American History, but most years World History at Coeur d’Alene High. She received numerous awards from her peers, was named Teacher of the Year by Idaho Alumni, and participated in a C-SPAN program on the Cold War. Sandy coached drill team, cheerleaders, varsity volleyball, basketball and tennis, and volunteered for many years for the Coeur d’Alene Education Association. She served on the Education Advisory Board and House of Delegates at the University of Montana. She forged great friendships among her peers and was respected as a leader. Sandy wrote in impeccable style and was also a poet.

Jim and Sandy could only be described as soul mates in their marriage. Almost inseparable, they could be found on golf courses, tennis courts, ski hills. In the summer they enjoyed relaxing on their houseboat on Lake Coeur d’Alene. They always loved trips to Missoula, Whitefish, Mont., Las Vegas, Nev., and Arizona and Florida, where they watched Spring Training for more than 30 years. Friends were always welcome at their home or on their adventures. Sandy loved her home in Hayden Lake, especially watching the wildlife, keeping track of the birds on Avondale Lake and watching sunsets from the deck.

Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, brother Jim, nephew Marc Meese and brother-in-law John Meese. She is survived by Jim, her husband of 43 years; special niece Michelle Bartlett and her family of Coeur d’Alene; and best friends Laurie Schwenke and Patsy Fealko of Coeur d’Alene, Karen Grace of Hayden Lake and her Beagle “Kita.” Her family also includes brother George (Karen) of Colorado, sister Mary Pat Meese of Missoula, brother Paul Pramenko (Ivelle) of Missoula, nieces Christine Lewis of Texas, Cindy Terrill of Missouri, Kirsten Carlson of Missoula; nephews Jeff Meese of Missoula, Dr. John Pramenko of New York, Dr. Michael Pramenko of Colorado and Pat Pramenko of Colorado; 13 great-nieces/nephews and numerous cousins.

On May 31, 2013, cancer stole Sandy from us, but not her indomitable spirit. Our lives will be less interesting, less vibrant, but we will all be nonetheless richer for having had Sandy in our lives for the time that she shared with us. She was a devoted daughter, a supportive and loving wife, a generous aunt and fun-loving and loyal friend and a knowledgeable and fair teacher. May all of the many friends and acquaintances who supported her with their acts of kindness, support and love throughout her illness be blessed.

A memorial service will be held Friday, June 7, 2013, at The Coeur d’Alene Resort. Reception to begin at 4:30 p.m. with a formal program at 5:15 p.m.

In lieu of flowers please donate to: pancan.org — 1500 Rosecrans Ave. Suite 200 Manhatten Beach, CA 90266, Hospice of North Idaho or Wood for Haiti — P.O. Box 7254 Missoula, MT 59807.

Please visit Sandra’s memorial and sign her online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.