VILONIA — Grace Louise Drake Sanford,

age 94, of Vilonia, Ark., was born December 29, 1928, to Leslie Drake and Mary Pine in Marshall, Illinois.

She married Raymond Leon Sanford on April 6, 1951. She had two children, Margaret Goyne (Rhonnie) and Bill Sanford (Stacie) of Vilonia.

On August 8, 2023, Louise joined her beloved husband, Raymond Sanford and family that preceded her in death including her parents, sisters, Alice Harris, Elnora Archey, Ruth Vinsett, Donna Hall, brothers, Glen Drake, Vern Drake, Larry Drake, Lloyd Drake, and Kenneth Drake. Louise lived in Illinois until the age of 16 when her family moved to Arkansas.

From 1969 until 1993, she was employed at the Pulaski County Special School District at Joe T. Robinson High School in the cafeteria. Louise lived in Little Rock until 2004 when she moved to Vilonia with her husband, Raymond until his passing in March of 2010.

She leaves behind many memories and loved ones including her sister, Mary Ellen McElhaney; daughter, Margaret Goyne (Rhonnie); her son, Bill Sanford (Stacie); her grandchildren, Rea Nicole Goyne (Lou), Hannah Goyne (Sarah), Adam Goyne (Erin), and Noah Sanford; her great-grandchildren, Carson Drake Cook, Katelyn Goyne, Tate Goyne, Turner Goyne, and her namesake, Delphi Louise Goyne. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Louise loved to work in the yard and garden until her health declined. She was an amazing cook, seamstress, and gardener. She enjoyed reading and could always be found napping with her books. She loved her family and friends and will be missed.

Honorary pallbearers are Adam Goyne, Noah Sanford, Lou Bearden, Carson Cook, Tate Goyne, and Turner Goyne.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 18, 2023, at Griffin Leggett Funeral Home in Conway, Ark., at one o’clock with a memorial service to follow at two o’clock. www.griffinleggettconway.com.