Sandra Jill Smoot's Obituary
Sandra Jill Smoot, 67, of Chanute passed away on Tuesday, January 30, 2024. Sandy was born on March 26, 1956, in San Diego, California, the daughter of Hans and Joann (Wright) Jackson.
Sandy married Doug Sloper in 1979 and gave birth to the pride and joys of her life; Chris Sloper in 1980 and Karen Sloper (Knauer) in 1983. Sandy and Chris loved to play video games together and would stay up late trying to pass various games. Her favorite video game was Metroid.
Sandy loved to go camping in the mountains with her best friend, Sheryl Bruton. Everyone knew it was her happy place! Sandy was nicknamed Sandy of the forest.
In 2008 Sandy had the honor of walking her daughter down the aisle to marry Rheilley Knauer. That was such an important moment in her life.
Sandy was present for the births of both of her granddaughters, Kara Sloper in 2000 and Rachel Knauer in 2010.
She adored all 3 of her grandchildren and she made them her life.
In 2008 Sandy met the love of her life, Roger Smoot. The two were married on Christmas Eve 2011 in an intimate ceremony in their home in front of their Christmas tree. In 2015 Sandy and Roger moved to Chanute, Kansas, and they purchased their home from Roger’s mom Dorothy.
Sandy had such a wonderful sense of humor. When she met Rheilley she gained the name Tyrd Furgison. From one of her favorite SNL skits.
She loved music! She played guitar and sang back up in a band when she was in her late teens to early 20’s. Stevie Nicks was her inspiration. And she even sounded like her! Sandy ‘s love of music expanded into many different instruments from her beloved hammer dulcimer to her newest instrument the African Kalimba. She had to give up the hammered Dulcimer when her hands began to deteriorate. It broke her heart but she kept trying to play music.
Sandy loved animals! She had many cats, dogs and Budgerigars throughout her life. Her favorite animal of all time was the horse. She has many horse figurines in her home. A passion she shared with Roger.
Sandy’s health deteriorated more over the years, and it left her unable to walk. She could no longer camp but started to go fishing more with her husband. When she could no longer do the old things, she would always try something new and quickly it became her new favorite activities. The last few years of her life Sandy expanded her crafting skills. She started working with wood and painting. For holidays she would handcraft special gifts for her loved ones.
Sandy always made a memorable mark on the lives of everyone she met.
What’s your fondest memory of Sandra?
What’s a lesson you learned from Sandra?
Share a story where Sandra's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Sandra you’ll never forget.
How did Sandra make you smile?