In loving memory of Sandy Elaine Truax

Sandra Elaine Truax (known as Sandy) of Chewelah, WA, survived 85 years despite cancer until February 26, 2026.  She passed peacefully at the Hospice House of Spokane.  Sandra Elaine Truax was born in Vaughn, Montana on October 11, 1940, to her parents Daisy and Marvin Swenson.

Sandy lived a long satisfying life of diverse adventures with no regrets. She started in Great Falls, Montana. Sandy later attended Great Falls High School and also attended the College of Great Falls. Sandy married the love of her life, Jerry Truax, in 1958 and together they had two daughters, Juli and Tari Lyn.

Sandy and Jerry moved to Seattle where they both worked; Jerry was at the cutting edge of computers.  One of Sandy's most memorable accomplishments was to create and build a Video Production company in Bellevue, Washington, winning awards within 5 years.
Later, they established a farm in Gold Bar, Washington, raising horses, cows, pigs, chickens, ducks, cats, & dogs.  The next move was to the west of the mountains where they rebuilt & restored Shore Acres Resort on Loon Lake.  Most recently Sandy restored a craftsman home in Chewelah and created a park like yard.

She is preceded in death by her parents Daisy and Marvin Swenson, her sister Joyce Swenson, her husband of 49 years Jerry Truax, and her daughter Tari Lyn Truax.

She is survived by her treasures - Sisters:  Carol Crews & Doris Milano, Her daughter Juli Marie (Allen Riley), Grandchildren:  Tory Leckness, Calie McIntire (Brandon McIntire), Cody Leckness, Kaila Day (Eric Day), Allie Riley  (Devon Baran): Great grandchildren:  Liam McIntire, Tjien McIntire, Remy Day, & Jude Riley, Long time companion and niece Valee Dias, and many more nieces and nephews.

As a writer, she was defined by intelligence, curiosity, and humor, which was obvious to everyone she met.  Every day she laughed, cherishing small blisses, especially her yard, the animals, and birds. Music energized, motivated, and lifted her up. She loved a good debate, great sports like tennis (Carlos Alcarez), basketball (Gonzaga), skating (Illia Malinin and Alysa Liu), Gymnastics (Simone Biles), and dance and music performances.

Sandy will be remembered for her friendliness with most everyone she meets.  She lit up the room! Sandy is deeply loved and will be missed by many.

Funeral will be at:  St Paul Lutheran Church, 110 N 2nd St, Chewelah, Washington, March 13, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. with food and fellowship following.  Burial will be held at a later date in Cascade, Montana Hillside Cemetery.

Instead of flowers, please send donations to Huntington's Disease Society of America.