Denton, TX - Sandra Sue Dillavou - Graben

Sandra S. Graben passed away peacefully on December 31st, 2025, at the age of 85.

Sandra commonly known as Sandy will be remembered as a caring and loving wife, mother,

grandmother and friend. Sandy had an infectious and rich laugh that so many will and remember her

by.

Born on July 16th 1940, in Minot, North Dakota: Sandy completed her primary education in Bismark

North Dakota; Graduating in 1958. During this time Sandy worked at the Big Boy restaurant, was a

lifeguard for the city pool and a Rainbow Girl. Many memories were made at the family cabin on Lake Isabelle ND.

In August 1958, Sandy Married David S Graben, beginning a lifelong partnership. Together their

journey took them from Bismarck to Fargo, North Dakota; Enid, Oklahoma: Phoenix, Arizona; Las

Vegas, Nevada; and even Tokyo, Japan. These experiences began Sandy's lifelong love for travel.

Sandy later raised her children in Elgin, Illinois, where she built a career in real estate. She was a founding member of the Elgin Board or Realtor's when it was established in October 1971 and served

with distinction as a Secretary, Vice President, and eventually President. Her leadership and dedication were recognized in 1977 when she was named participant of the year by the Elgin Board of Realtor's, that same year she made the Million Dollar Sales Club. After raising her children in Elgin Ill, Sandy and Dave decided to start a new chapter in life and moved to the DFW area of Texas. Here they developed an airport community; Der Flughafen. Changing the name (understandably) to Fairview Airport. The runway is located between two streets, Graben Ln and Dillavou Ln. where 18 families reside with their homes and hangars.

In 1989, Sandy welcomed her first grandchild, Timothy David Hulme (TJ). His passing due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) motivated Sandy to become deeply involved with SIDS advocacy. She graduated from Roosevelt University's Nonprofit Management Program with distinction in 1993. She went on to be a founding member of the Alliance of Grandparents Against the SIDS Tragedy (AGAST). In 2006 Sandy was a keynote speaker at the 9th SID's International Conference held in Yokohama, Japan.

Sandy is predeceased by her parents; Uyrth Dillavou and Phyllis Buttolph-Dillavou. Her husband, David S Graben and grandson Timothy David Hulme.

Sandra is survived, by her sister, Vicky Dillavou and brother John Dillavou; sons, Steven (Kathryn)

Graben and Erich (Shelley) Graben; her daughter, Catherine Hulme (Tim); six grandchildren; Jason

Hulme, Allyse Graben, Sophia (Joe) Letke, & Camille Graben, Hannah and Zach Graben; Parker Hicks her great grandchild.

A private family service will be held in her memory. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association (ALZ.org)