Sandra Fuller Duvall

Sandra Fuller Duvall of Plymouth, Minnesota passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 30th, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Tiffany Hem, her sister, Cheryl Fuller, and sister-in-law Gerry Fuller. She is loved and will be deeply missed by her husband, Lee Duvall, of 62 years; her children, Tyler (Donna), Timothy (Jill), Ann Daly, Heather (Colin) McGrady, and Nicole (Mark) Nelson; 13 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and her brother, Steve Fuller.

Sandy was born February 15th, 1944, in Urbana, Illinois to Dean and Dorothy (Morris) Fuller. With a few years spent in both Belleville and Peoria, Illinois while adding a younger sister, Cheryl and brother, Steve, the Fuller family permanently landed in Carmi, Illinois before Sandy’s high school years.

Sandy graduated from Carmi High School in 1962 and subsequently started nursing school. After winning Miss White County, she caught the eye of a local resident, Lee Duvall, and they were married in August 1963. Shortly thereafter, she took on her most prized role of being a mom and welcomed their first child, Tyler in July 1964. After Lee completed his undergraduate and master's degrees at the University of Illinois in 1965, the Duvall family made the big move to the Chicagoland area for Lee to pursue his food science passion and work for Quaker Oats company. Sandy and Lee continued to grow their family, adding five more children Timothy, Ann, Heather, Tiffany, and Nicole (aka “the tailgate”).

The Duvall household was always bustling and held together by Sandy. Her days were spent managing all the aspects of the household and their numerous pets. She was the original Uber driver, getting everyone to and from their activities, appointments, and Church. As soon as the youngest was old enough to attend school, Sandy went back to school herself, earning a liberal arts degree in Anthropology and Criminal Justice from the University of Illinois- Chicago. She greatly enjoyed her areas of study and went on several anthropological digs at Mesa Verda National Park. As much as she enjoyed her work, she was committed to her first role of being a mom.

In the late 1980s, she took on the new role of Grandmommy. She enjoyed being Grandmommy and always took the job of spoiling her grandkids seriously. She found flexible jobs, like a high school substitute teacher and auditor for Target Corporation that allowed her to work when she wasn’t busy with her kids or visiting her growing number of grandkids spread throughout the US and overseas in Scotland.

In 1997, Lee’s work again brought them further north to Minnesota when he took a new job with General Mills. Sandy and Minnesota were a match made in heaven. The walking and bike trails, numerous lakes, and love for winter made Sandy feel right at home. One of her favorite activities was to walk around Lake Harriet (power walking speed with arms pumping of course) before enjoying a picnic dinner while listening to the Minneapolis Pops Orchestra.

With her kids all grown or in college, Sandy had more time to explore and enjoy her interests. She was a life-longer learner and was never afraid to try something new. She would sign up Lee and herself to gain some “new skills” like square dancing or pickleball classes. She fervently worked on her lawn and landscaping to get it exactly how she envisioned it.

Sandy also had the gift of hospitality. She loved to make things beautiful and loved to celebrate others. She could set a table like no one else and would do so three days in advance. Special tablecloths, matching dishes and napkins, floral arrangements and décor were a part of every celebration. She would often assign seats at the table, carefully considering shared interests amongst the guests to bring about better conversation. She used the table as a tool to build belonging and community.

A bright star has gone out, please honor her by shining your light in the world and joining us for a Celebration of Sandy’s life. Sandy loved color, please wear your brightest colors and prints!

Monday, January 5th, 2026

11:00am service, luncheon reception to follow

Wooddale Church

6630 Shady Oak Road, Eden Prairie

Private interment on a later date at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Memorials preferred to World Vision P.O. Box 9716, Federal Way, WA 98063