We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Sandra Jean (Lewis) Humes in Simi Valley, California, on July 11, 2026, at the age of 89. Sandra passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family.

Sandra was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on January 15, 1937, to LaRue (Temple) and Edwin Lewis. Her father’s career as a pipe organ builder inspired her love of fine arts. Sandra was an accomplished violinist, pianist, and thespian.

Sandra started her college career at Illinois State University at Normal with a full scholarship. From there, in her junior year, she transferred to and graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha with a degree in Special Education. She began teaching at the Iowa School for the Deaf upon graduating. She was an active and devoted member of her college sorority, and it is through her sorority sister Karen that she met the love of her life, Jack, who had recently completed his appointment at the United States Military Academy at West Point.  Their introduction in the summer of 1960 led to their wedding on December 27 that year. Shortly thereafter, Jack and Sandy started their 64-year adventure together.

Their first stop was a move to Germany, where they welcomed their first son, Jack Junior, “Tom.” Jack and Sandy moved 11 more times over the course of his military career and had three more children along the way: Todd Edwin, Traci Sue, and Troy David.  Each move found Sandra building community and lifelong friendships.  She played a central role in keeping family connected over long distances.  Whether crafting the outfits for Traci’s cheerleading team or whipping up Aunt Donna’s famous “Goop” sauce for ice cream, Sandy always demonstrated her love and care for others and had a keen ability to create, find, or say just the thing that could put a smile on someone’s face and make them feel truly seen and loved.

In 1999, following Jack’s retirement from his second career as a Systems Engineer, Jack, Sandy, and Troy moved to Whitesboro, TX. There they built their dream home. Jack and Sandy shared a love for all things well-loved, and first opened Yellow Front Antiques and later Butterfield Stage Stop Emporium right across the street on Main Street in Whitesboro. Sandra continued to build roots through the shop, meeting and forming great relationships with the many wonderful people of Whitesboro and beyond. 

Sandy continued her passion for music, singing soprano in the church choir and using her sharp wit playing Scrabble and bridge.  While Jack possessed a strong will, Sandy could soften him with a single look that would send Jack into peals of laughter.  When Jack passed, Sandy and Troy returned to California to be close to family. 

Sandra is survived by their four children, Jack Jr. (Judy), Todd (Lisa), Traci (Kevin), and Troy; four grandchildren, Laura, Oriel, Abbie and Rachel; one step-grandchild, Valerie (Brian) one great-grandchild, Layla; two step-great-grandchildren, Tanner and Tyler; nephews, Jeff Lewis, Bob and Kim Cooper, and many others. 

Sandra was a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend. She is dearly missed.