Sandra “Sandy” Hulbert

Sandra “Sandy” Hulbert, 82, of Chatfield passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 25, 2023, in Chatfield.

Sandra Jane Root was born February 7, 1941, in Buffalo, N.Y., to Ernest and Mirriam (Justice) Root.  She graduated from Burnt Hills, Ballston Lake Central School in New York.  After High School she attended State University of New York at Potsdam, where she earned her Bachelor of Music.  On June 18, 1960, she married Evan F. Hulbert in Burnt Hills, N.Y.  The next school year following college found Sandy teaching in Truxton and Virgil, N.Y., as Evan was reassigned to Texas.  Sandy taught music in three schools on rural eastern Long Island, N.Y., the last two years that Evan was serving in the Air Force stationed in the “Hamptons.”  A move to Bemidji, Minn., for Evan to finish college found Sandy teaching music in Akeley, Minn., for two years with a 100 mile round trip daily drive.  The following year, Sandy taught music on the Red Lake Indian Reservation, even borrowing a new Pontiac convertible from Buster Spaulding (Bemidji Pontiac dealer), having Evan drive the homecoming king and queen around the football field at halftime… a brand new happening on the REZ.

When Evan finished college, a move to Spring Valley allowed Sandy the shorter drive to work teaching music in Wykoff, as Evan commuted to Austin to teach industrial arts.  This is when Sandy named their upstart RV business “Hulbert’s Camper Corral” instead of a normal name such as “…camper sales.”  Teaching, plus camper sales and service, kept the family occupied for almost the next 40 years.  During this time span Sandy played her flute and piccolo in Chatfield Bass Band and occasionally directed.  Jim Perkins introduced Sandy to Wind Jammers Unlimited, a nationwide circus music historical society.  Sandy went to Bradenton, Fla., for the January “Winter Meet” for several years and the breadth of the United States from New Hampshire to Sacramento, usually in a motorhome or pickup camper in July.  She taught two years in Chatfield after leaving Wykoff, assisting Vern Anderson (a brass man) with the woodwinds.  Busy as she was at home, Sandy, the humanitarian, made the time and put in the effort to take solo extended trips “back east” to assist Evan’s mother when she was suffering from failing health.  Several years after discontinuing the business found Evan and Sandy in “assisted living,” a poor fit for them.  Escaping after 14 months, thanks to Lee Himle informing them of a handicapped friendly house in Chatfield, a broad smile returned to Sandy’s face.

Sandy is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Evan; one son, Steve of Chatfield; grandson Dale of Chatfield, two brothers ,Rick (Maureen) Root of Stillwater, N.Y., and Charles (Andrea) Root of Seymour, Tenn.; and three nieces. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, and a half-brother, Lionel Hill.

A Celebration of Life for Sandy will be at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at Calvary Baptist Church in Chatfield, with Pastor Mike Gittens officiating.  Visitation will be from 5-6:30 p.m. before the brief service.  Burial will take place Friday, October 6, 2023, at MN State Veterans Cemetery in Preston at 10 a.m.  On Sandy’s plaque will be engraved with “Music Was Her Life.” It is truly what sustained her.

Riley Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Chatfield is assisting the Hulbert family with arrangements.  Online condolences are welcome at rileyfuneralhomes.com.