Dr. Sandra "Sandy" Craig

Dr. Sandra “Sandy” Craig, 82, passed away October 23, 2021 at Springfield Regional Medical Center in Springfield, Ohio. She was born in Steuben, New York on May 1, 1939, to the late Margaret McCaulla Kline and Fred F. Geer. Sandy spent her formative years in Urbana, Ohio but also resided in Colorado and Arizona, until returning to Urbana yet again.

Sandy began her career in the legal field immediately after graduation from UHS in 1957. The legal field was only one of her many passions in life and early on she held various positions from Deputy Clerk of Court to paralegal and law firm
administrator.

In 1958, she married Chuck Craig, also a UHS graduate (’55) and they spent the next 63 years building a family along with various businesses in Ohio, Colorado and Arizona. Sandy persevered in continuing her education as her children grew up. She achieved her BA (Regis University, Denver), MA (University of Phoenix, Denver) and ultimately her PhD in Management (California Coast University, Santa Ana) over the course of sixteen years, all while juggling a family and a full time career.
From these vast experiences, Sandy was able to transition to teaching, speaking and curriculum design for others entering various college level legal studies. She also became a certified mediator in Ohio and was notably an adjunct faculty member in Ohio, Colorado and Arizona.

In the early nineties, Sandy and Chuck decided to combine their skills and interests and decided to become chocolatiers. They opened several Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory/stores and also Buckeye Chocolates in Urbana.

In addition to these various businesses, Sandy turned her creative abilities to crafting. Her sense of color and creativity led to many shows with her Cardinal Creations.

Another love of Sandy’s was her love of their many Cairn Terriers – most recently, Cassie.

Sandy is survived by her husband, Chuck; daughter, Terri Harjes (Ken); granddaughter, Caitlin Harjes; son, Troy Craig (Melina); grandchildren, Austin Craig, Ally Craig, Mady Broadhagen (Doug), Emmy Craig and Abby Craig; great-grandchildren, Codie and Everett Craig; as well as her extended family.

In accordance with Sandy’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held. Donations may be sent to the ASPCA or the Champaign County Historical Museum.