Sandra May Draper

Sandra May Draper, 84, of Kankakee, passed away peacefully Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born August 21, 1941, in L’Erable the daughter of Charles Elmo and Ethel Mae (Buser) Jones. On April 16,1960 she married Jack F. Draper in Kankakee. After 22 years, Sandra retired from Farm n’ Fleet where she wore many hats including head of the women’s department. She enjoyed playing cards and trying her luck now and then at gambling. In her quieter moments, you could often find her happily watching her favorite game shows, heading out to lunch with dear friends to share stories and smiles, or spending cherished time surrounded by family. Nothing brought her more joy than being involved in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Whatever they were doing — whether big milestones or everyday moments — she wanted to be part of it. She treasured every opportunity to cheer them on, support them, and create lasting memories together. Sandra is survived by her children, Jack B. (Christine) Draper of Aroma Park, Susan (Michael) Trobaugh of Kankakee, Debra (Eric) Hults of Kankakee, and Bill (Jen) Draper of Kankakee. Gramma Sandy lovingly numbered her grandchildren in the order in which the arrived; grandchildren, #1 Candace (Brett) Longtin, #2 Brittany (Alec) Draper, #3 Kaitlyn (Jayme) Zanton, #4 Katy (Tommy) Weir, #5 Madison Draper, #6 Lauren (Kyle) Pasel, #7 Cassidy Draper, #8 Emily (Travis) Kibbons, #9 Emmagene Draper, #10 Sydni Pasel, and #11, her only grandson, Nathan Draper. They all playfully argued with her for the #1 spot. Providing an abundance of joy, her great grandchildren; Cameron & Landon Longtin, Owen Collett, Jo Violet and Miles Zanton, Ellie Isla Mae Weir, Scarlett Draper, Layla Dowdy, Braxton and Kayson Kleinert, and Rhea, Jensen, & Renleigh Kibbons, Additionally her sister, Jackie Martell of Texas of whom she spoke to everyday, several bonus grandchildren and great grandchildren; as well as many treasured nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, her parents; siblings, Charles E. Jones Jr, Pauline Forbes, Richard (Dick) Jones, Eugene Jones, Patricia Tamulionis, Larry Jones, Betty Bisaillon, Donna Lee Jones, and Robert Jones. Visitation will be held Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 1pm until the funeral service at 4pm at Jensen Funeral Home, Kankakee. She will be laid to rest in a private burial service at Mound Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family.