Sandra Jean Smith

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our mom, grandma and GG, Sandra J. Smith. She died on February 26, 2026, after a lengthy battle with dementia.

She was born in Washington, Indiana. She attended Indiana University in Bloomington for three years prior to getting married.

During her work life, Sandra worked at Allstate Insurance for 32 years. She started as a secretary and worked into their Subrogation Department. Her negotiation skills led her to proudly say she was their first $1 million dollar collector, and that was back when $1 million dollars was a lot of money.

Allstate offered early retirement packages, so she was able to retire at age 59 ½. She was retired almost as long as she worked.

After retiring, she was available to do things with her grandchildren. Her oldest grandson, Scott, got to practice driving with his grandma. This is something that his mom, Pam, learned later.

Her great-granddaughter, Hailey, was the joy of her life. After moving to Florida, we would use FaceTime to call her to hear about school. Sandra was last able to travel to Indiana in 2023 for Hailey’s 16th birthday party.

Sandra was preceded in death by her mother, Iva E. Gardner, and son, Harry Daniel Smith III.

She is survived by her daughter, Pam (Dean), grandchildren: Scott Walton (Melissa), Amber Rodgers, Daniel Smith and Donovan Smith. She had two great-granddaughters, Hailey Walton and Emily Key.

Sandra will be buried at Washington Park East in Indianapolis. There will be a visitation on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., with a short service thereafter.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation.

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