Sandra Anne Nelson Stava

Sandra Anne Stava | October 22, 1941 - December 22, 2023 Sandra Anne Stava was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, and a dear friend to so many. In all ways, Sandy was a champion for and encourager of her family; especially, her three children, and an advocate for Tulsa, the opera, her profession and her church. On her last day of life, Sandy's passion and love for others was never clearer: she personally delivered Christmas gifts to her Bible study friends, hugging them one last time, and meticulously planned for her family's Christmas, wrapping the final presents and ensuring that all the day's activities would be perfect and create everlasting memories. She died peacefully on December 22, while sitting next to the fire, reading Christmas cards from people she loved. A Tulsa resident for over 50 years, Sandy Nelson was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Robert L. and Ethel Harrel Nelson, on October 22, 1941. She moved to Indianapolis, Indiana as a young girl and would go on to graduate from North Central High School. She was a straight-A student all her life. Sandy began college at Greenville University in Greenville, IL, and graduated from Whitworth College in Spokane, Washington, with a Bachelors in English. Two years later, on February 19, 1966, she married William John Stava, Jr. While John served in the Vietnam War as a U.S. Air Force pilot, Sandy taught English at her alma mater, North Central High in Indianapolis. The family moved to Tulsa in 1970, where Sandy immediately became active by joining the Junior Opera Guild and the Children's Day Nursery so she could make friends and contribute back to the community. Tulsa Opera became and always remained a heartfelt passion of Sandy's: she served for almost 50 years as a volunteer, board member, and board chair. Other organizations Sandy volunteered through include PEO, Tuesday Book Club (Tulsa's oldest book club), Maple Ridge Antique Club, Daughters of the American Revolution, Tulsa Ballet and Philbrook Museum of Art. She was a leader and doer in all these organizations, including serving as PEO Chapter President, President of the Book Club, a Board Member of Tulsa Ballet, and a trained docent at Philbrook Museum. Sandy was passionate about giving back to Tulsa. She would often say, "Our community gives us so much, so it is our responsibility to give back." Sandy was deeply involved in her children's activities, taking the kids to legions of Boy Scout meetings and camp outs (her two boys became Eagle Scouts), soccer, cheerleading, Student Council and Key Club. She was a giver and always tried to place others' interests before her own. Sandy was passionately invested in her First United Methodist Church life and family. Her love for the church and the Builder's Sunday school class was clear and her passion for entertaining and caring for others created life-long, best friends of the Stavas. She generously gave of her time especially to the church's childrens programs - through the years she taught 1st and 12th Grade Sunday School and led Vacation Bible School. After her children were older, Sandy continued her own education and profession by earning a Master's in Psychology from Oklahoma State University and becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor. She worked as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist at St. John Medical Center, and later was Medical Director at Parent Child Center of Tulsa. Her true life's calling were her seven grandchildren. NaNa, as she was affectionately known, was simply unmatched. She was readily available to sit on the floor to read them books, play games, or simply sing them a lullaby. As they grew older, she was always there, picking and dropping them off at school and cheering them on at sporting events, piano recitals, Scouting courts of honor, and choir concerts. The most fun she had, and the most fun the grandkids had, was during the most action-packed week at their Grand Lake home: Camp Stava. She adorned all family members with matching Camp Stava t-shirts and filled the week with opening and closing ceremonies with kids awards, boating activities, dock play, and crafts; she even insisted on camp fires in the 110-degree heat to roast hotdogs and marshmallows. The grandchildren knew no greater excitement than an impending visit from NaNa with a pot of chili, pink dip with chips, plate of fruit, cookies or a special gift. They will cherish her memory for all their years to come. Sandy will live on - always - in our hearts and minds as the ultimate and most loving wife, Mom, NaNa and friend. While her family and friends grieve her loss, we are completely confident that she is in Heaven, celebrating with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Sandy is survived by her husband of 56 years, John Stava and their three children; Jeff Stava (Susie), Mathew Stava (Kelly) and Sarah Stewart (Grant); grandchildren, Parker Stava, Nelson Stewart, Catherine Stava, Maggie Stewart, Will Stava, Luke Stava and Michael Stewart; brother, Wayne Nelson (Marilyn); niece, Vicki Kennedy (John); great nieces, Hannah Winer (Aaron) and Grace Wallin (Cameron); uncle, Charlie Gilmore (Phyllis) and aunt, Maggie Gilmore Gilliland; niece, Denny Hartman and nephew, Terry Gilmore (Frankie). In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in her honor to Tulsa Opera, 1610 S. Boulder Ave, Tulsa, OK 74119. A celebration of life will be held at First Methodist Church, 1115 S. Boulder Ave., Tulsa, OK, on January 2 at 10:00 am. You can live stream at or First Methodist Church Tulsa Facebook Live page or YouTube channel. Arrangements are under the direction of Moore Funeral Home - Southlawn Chapel 918-663-2233