Obituaries

Sandra Ann Bonar, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on October 25, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on August 20, 1945, in Portland, Maine, Sandra made her home in Maryville, Tennessee, where she built a life marked by strength, grace, determination, faith, and an extraordinary love for her family.  Sandra was a fiercely gracious woman with a beautiful spirit and a smile always ready to greet others. She never met a stranger and had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcome, valued, and heard. An amazing listener, she offered others the kindness and attention that came naturally to her. Her warmth, genuine interest in others, and generous heart left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.  A woman of remarkable strength and determination, Sandra believed in the value of hard work and never stopped striving to grow. She dedicated 26.5 years of her career to DENSO Manufacturing in Maryville, Tennessee, demonstrating the commitment and perseverance that defined her life. In her late 50s, she accomplished another extraordinary milestone by earning her bachelor’s degree. Her family was immensely proud of her accomplishments, which reflected her resilience, dedication, and determination to keep learning and reaching for new goals.  Above all else, Sandra loved her family deeply. Time together was among her greatest joys, and she made it a priority to create memories that would last a lifetime. She treasured the annual family beach trips, where everyone could gather, walk along the beach, play games, laugh, and simply enjoy being together. When family came to visit, she was always thinking of something fun to add for the children, finding joy in making their time together special. For Sandra, the greatest gift was having her family close and creating moments they would cherish for years to come.  She was always ready when family called to do something, especially if it meant going out to eat! She enjoyed the simple pleasures of life: playing games, sharing a meal, sipping a chai latte, enjoying a bowl of ice cream, and spending time with the people she loved most. Her enthusiasm for family adventures and her willingness to join in whenever she was invited were just a few of the many ways she showed her love.  Sandra’s faith was also an important part of her life. She loved going to church and listening to worship music, finding comfort and joy in the faith that sustained her.  Sandra’s greatest legacy is the family she loved so dearly. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Tammy Bonar, and her daughter and son-in-law, Julianne and Scott Hitch.  Her beloved grandchildren are Summer Alexander and her spouse, Trey; Dylan Childrey and his spouse, Grace; Christian Bonar and his spouse, Hannah; Seth Bonar; Laura Grigsby and her spouse, Wyatt; and Todd Hitch.  She also leaves behind her cherished great-grandchildren, Finn, Sawyer, Jack, Jeremiah, Silas, and Addison, who brought an additional generation of joy to her life.  Sandra is also survived by her siblings, Sally Foster, Harry Farr, and Joyce Yates, and her niece, Diana Roberts, along with other extended family members and dear friends whose lives she touched.  Sandra will be remembered for her welcoming smile, her gracious heart, her strong work ethic, her faith, and the countless ways she made others feel loved. The traditions she created, the memories she helped make, and the love she shared will continue to live on through the generations of her family.  Though her absence will be deeply felt, her family will carry her memory in every shared meal, every game played together, every walk along the beach, every church service, and every moment they gather to celebrate the gift of family — just as she always wanted.  Sandra’s life was a beautiful reminder that the greatest legacy is not measured only by what we accomplish, but by the love we give, the people we cherish, and the memories we leave behind. She was deeply loved, immensely cherished, and will be forever missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sandra’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.