Sandra Kay (Hyatt) Deer passed away on October 15, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was a loving, caring, and kind mother, nana, wife, sister, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Sandra was a retired Registered Nurse who devoted her career to caring for others. She touched many lives through her compassion, kindness, and dedication.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alice Ellis Edmonds and Robert Ellis; her first husband, Clarence “Buddy” Hyatt, her daughter, Sarah Ann Hyatt; and her brother, Charles Ellis.

Sandra is survived by her husband, Rick Deer; her daughters, Amanda (Brandon) Zempleni and Angela Hyatt; her grandchildren, Gavin Hyatt, Addison Hall, Owen Zempleni, and Iden Zempleni; brother, Thomas Ellis; and many close friends.

Her loving spirit and the care she gave to so many will remain in the hearts of her family and friends. We know she is dancing in the sky.

Family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 PM, Thursday, October 22, 2026 at Smith Trinity Chapel. Funeral service will be at 2:00 PM with Jack Midkiff officiating. Interment will be at 3:00 PM, Thursday, October 22, 2026 at Grandview Cemetery. Condolences may be shared at Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.