Sandra Lee Hauf

DARBY - Sandra Hauf-Kratzberg, age 71, loving Mother, Grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family and cherished friends on May 14th 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer.  Sandra was born in Kansas City, KS in 1953 to Edward and Phyliss Kratzberg-Norris where she grew up doing many things with all of her siblings, whom she loved dearly.

She attended college, then moved to Desmoines, Iowa and started her family. She married David Russell and brought Heather Russell (Jenkins) and Crystal Russell (Brightman) into the world before their marriage ended in love. She then married Clearance Hauf and brought into the world, “her baby girl,” Sarah Hauf-Hirmann.

Sandra loved adventures of all kinds and spent many years travelling the states and being a “gypsy woman.” In spite of this wandering spirit, she was happiest in the trees, surrounded by mountains, being a Grandma to Samatha, Kiahna, Trevor, and Malichi.

Her relationships with family and friends, even strangers, were deeply cherished; she loved her buddy dog too!  “We know that we can’t have you but we’re happy knowing that the angels have finally got you back. Goodbye to a wonderful woman and a beautiful mother.”

Sandra is survived by her daughters, Heather Jenkins (Jack) and Sarah Hirmann, as well as her grandchildren, Samatha Russell, Kiahna Hirmann, Gabriel Hirmann, Malichi Hirmann and Cheyanne Russell.  Additionally, she will be sorely missed by her brothers, Doug Kratzberg and Steve Sims, sister, Jennifer Kennedy, as well as many other cousins, uncles, aunts and friends whom she loved with all of her heart.

Sandra is preceded in death by her beautiful daughter Crystal Brightman, who went to be with the angels just months before her momma passed. Along with her Mom, Dad, Brothers Michael, Kenny, sister Cathy, grandson Trevor.

A special THANK YOU to the wonderful individuals that have come into our lives. The help, love, comfort, and care you gave to my mother in the hardest moments was invaluable. A special thank you to Samantha Romo, Nancy Sexton, Dawn Gettings, and Misty Finks. Mom was truly thankful for all the love you poured into her in her final days.

Sandra’s funeral will be held at Daly Leach Chapel in Hamilton MT on Friday, May 31st at 2:00 pm with a reception following. The family welcomes all who knew of her. Donations can be made on the Daly Leach Chapel to help cover cremation expenses.