Sandra “Sandy” Duncan

March 29, 1942 – June 21, 2025

With heavy hearts but joyful memories, we announce the passing of Sandra “Sandy” Renee Duncan, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, partner, and friend, who left this world with the same grace, grit, and sparkle that she brought to every moment of her 83 remarkable years.

A visitation with family will begin at 12:00 Noon on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Heartland Funeral Home, with a short service beginning at 1:30pm. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery, Egan, SD. In honor of Sandy, the family requests that everyone attending wear something bright, patterned, or festive (in great Sandy fashion). To view the live stream of the service click here.

Her spirit was wild and untamed, the kind you couldn’t bottle up if you tried. Nowhere did that spirit shine brighter than in Nashville, her favorite getaway, where she could be found two-stepping down Broadway with a spark in her eye and country music in her soul. She didn’t just visit places—she left a mark on them, turning every trip into a story and every dance into a memory. Sandy had a way of living that made you want to turn the radio up, roll the windows down, and savor the ride.

In a world that often takes itself too seriously, Sandy was a reminder that life is a dance, music is the melody, and love is the rhythm. Her smile could light up the darkest of rooms, and her stories—full of wisdom, humor, and a little sparkle—left everyone richer for having heard them.

She was the embodiment of living life to the fullest, a woman who turned ordinary days into adventures and strangers into lifelong friends. Family was her greatest treasure, and she gave her a legacy of warmth, resilience, and an ever-ready invitation to the dance floor.

To carry on her spirit are her youngest son, Troy (Arnell) Duncan; her sister, Terri (Dennis) Jones and their children, Nicole (Kyle) Baker and Devon Jones; brother-in-law, Gary (Judy) Catron and their children, Darren Derdall, and Travis Catron; the joys of her life—her grandchildren, Hunter and Elizabeth Duncan; and the absolute love of her life, Michael Dunkelberger; along with too many family and friends to mention—whom she will now watch over with eternal love and pride.

Sandy was preceded in death by her oldest son, Todd; her parents, Manual Silva (father), Berdyne Hendry (mother), and Darrall Hendry (stepfather); sister, Judy Catron; and her favorite dog, Toby—each of whom she loved deeply and carried with her always.

So, as we bid farewell to Sandra “Sandy” Duncan, let’s not say goodbye. Instead, let’s find a dance floor, cue up some Elvis or Willie on the jukebox, and dance in her honor. Let’s cheer a little louder for our teams, embrace our loved ones a little tighter, and live each day with the adventurous spirit of a woman who knew how to make the most of the music of life.

Rest in peace, dear Sandy. Thank you for the joy, the rhythm, and the light you brought to all of us. Your song will play on in our hearts forever.

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