Sandra Jean Graf

Sandra "Sandy" J. (Hughes) Graf
April 2, 1962 - March 22, 2025
Sandy Graf lived her life like a hot air balloon flight-rising with enthusiasm, navigating challenges and always reaching for the next adventure. Born on April 2, 1962, in Le Mars, Iowa, to Mildred "Milly" Wagner and Don David Hughes, Sr., Sandy's boundless curiosity and love for the skies took root early.
As a teenager in Iowa, she and her friends once chased a hot air balloon across a cornfield, watching in awe as it floated effortlessly above them. Rushing to meet the pilot and crew as it landed, Sandy declared, "This is what I want to do!" And, true to her nature, she made it happen. Sandy was working at Texas Instruments in Dallas. She noticed a colleague wearing a jacket adorned with balloon patches. A conversation led to an invitation, an invitation led to a ride and a ride led to a lifelong passion. A few years later, she earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of North Texas.
In 1996, Sandy earned her pilot's license and never looked back. She became a skilled pilot, competitor and corporate ambassador, famously flying the "Tony the Tiger" special-shape balloon for Kellogg's. Among her many cherished flights, one stood above the rest-the day in 1997 when she flew her parents over Storm Lake, Iowa, the place where they had met and married, with her siblings and their families as her dedicated crew.
Sandy's skill in competition was as remarkable as her spirit, earning her the title of 2007 Women's Balloon Federation of America (BFA) National Champion. In 2014, she soared to a fourth-place finish at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, besting Richard and all her friends. But beyond accolades, Sandy's true joy was sharing the magic of ballooning with first-time passengers and crew, and training new pilots how to fly.
At the heart of Sandy's world were her family and friends. A devoted mother to Jesi and Taylor, she celebrated every one of their achievements, both big and small. She was the best "Gigi" to her beloved grandchildren-Jesse, Jane, Jack and Cillian-whom she adored beyond measure.
Sandy embraced a love of adventure, music and travel. More often than not, she could be found on a plane, a cruise ship, or on a road trip to a new destination. Sandy built a life filled with laughter, love and friendships that spanned the globe.
Sandy was a fighter in every sense of the word. After bravely overcoming her first battle with ovarian cancer, she continued to embrace life with resilience and joy. When the cancer returned last year, she faced it with the same courage and grace that defined her life, until peacefully slipping away the evening of March 22, after a joyful last weekend spent with family and friends.
Sandy believed in lifting others as she soared. She often told her daughters, "If you never try, you always fail. No matter what, I will love you. Take the risk!" Her wisdom, kindness and fearless approach to life touched all who knew her.
Sandy leaves behind a legacy of love, family and deep friendships. She is survived by her daughters, Jesi McLane (Adam) and Taylor Graf (Braden Walters), and their father, Michael Graf; partner Richard Sabin, cherished grandchildren, Jesse, Jane and Cillian McLane; her loving mother, Mildred "Milly" Wagner; and her siblings, Pat Baxter, Marla Barfield, Doni Stokes, Don Hughes, Jr., Robert Hughes, and Susan Samek, and their families. She was preceded in death by her father, Don Hughes, Sr., and her sweet, young grandson, Jack McLane.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 29, at 3 p.m. at the Church of Lake Cherokee. In lieu of flowers, Sandy's family suggests simply taking a moment to make someone smile-something Sandy lived for every day.