Sandra E. Deering

Sandra “Sandy” Elaine Deering of Machesney Park, Illinois, went to be with the Lord on May 31, 2026, surrounded by her loving family while listening to Elvis Presley’s song, My Way.

Sandy was born on August 9, 1947, in South Carolina to Carl Sr. and Gaynelle Melton. At just eleven years old, she met the love of her life, Melvin “Mel-Hon” Deering, when they lived across the street from one another. Their childhood friendship blossomed into a lifelong love story, and Sandy became Mrs. Melvin Deering on August 14, 1965. They were married at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Schaumburg, Illinois, and built a beautiful life together. Sandy and Mel shared 46 wonderful years of marriage before his passing in 2011.

Sandy devoted much of her life to caring for her family as a homemaker and later worked at Mobile Comm in Schaumburg. She was a faithful, longtime member of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Rockford, where she enjoyed attending Bible studies and growing in her faith.

Known for her incredible cooking and baking, Sandy lovingly fed family and friends with meals and desserts that became legendary. Some of her most requested favorites included sweet potatoes, Southern macaroni and cheese, mostaccioli, stew beef, pork dishes of every kind, coleslaw, hard candy, banana bread, pound cake, lemon lush, chocolate mayonnaise cake, white chocolate cheesecake, and far too many others to name.

In her free time, Sandy enjoyed puzzle books, crocheting, playing Scrabble, collecting and reading cookbooks, collecting cardinals, and watching crime shows. Above all, she treasured her role as “Gramma,” “Nana,” and “Nonnie” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She shared a special bond with her three sisters and spoke with them daily. Sandy also loved shopping, perfume, jewelry, makeup, CHOCOLATE, fried chicken, and a fresh tomato-and-mayonnaise sandwich. She was known for her sass, quick wit, and wonderful sense of humor, bringing laughter to those around her.

Sandy is lovingly survived by her children, Brenda (Jamie) Murray and Melvin Deering Jr.; her grandchildren, Melinda (Charles) Mercer, Cody Deering, Nikki (Josh Osborne) Deering, Kaley (Cody) Arthur, and Shawn Murray; and her great-grandchildren, Rayden, Nevaeh, Rhett, and baby Lucille, who is expected later this year. She is also survived by her siblings, Gail Quidley, Pamela Free, Carl (Teresa) Melton Jr., and Wanda (Larry Sr.) Bitting; many beloved nieces and nephews; and her dear friends of 59 years, Harold Sr. and Sharon Wiese.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Louis Deering Sr.; their three angel babies; her sister, Barbara Ann Melton; her parents, Carl Sr. and Gaynelle Melton; her best friend, Willie Mae Hall; many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and her two angel great-grandbabies.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Sandy’s grandchildren, Nikki, Melinda, and Kaley, for the exceptional love, care, and support they provided during the final chapter of her life.

A visitation will be held at Honquest Family Funeral Home in Roscoe, Illinois, beginning at 3:00 p.m., with a memorial service to follow at 4:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to continue celebrating Sandy’s life at Firehouse Pub in Roscoe immediately following the service.

Though she will be deeply missed, Sandy’s faith, love, laughter, and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

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