Sandra (Smith) Biernacki Obituary, Death – Timken Woman Remembered as “Grandma Bear” for Her Love, Strength and Compassion

Sandra “Grandma Bear” Lea (Smith) Biernacki, 64, of Timken, Kansas, passed away on Sunday, September 6, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was born on August 8, 1962, in Miami, Oklahoma, to John and Helen (Baier) Smith.

Sandra, affectionately known as Sandy, spent her childhood between Kansas and Oklahoma before graduating from Garden City High School. She was remembered as someone who was naturally driven, hardworking and always willing to take on whatever needed to be done. Alongside her full-time employment, she worked a variety of side jobs, including mowing, roofing, apartment maintenance and tree work.

One of the memories she treasured most was lumberjacking with her father, a passion she later passed down to her sons as they worked together during evenings and weekends. Sandy was known for her strong work ethic and country lifestyle. She enjoyed fishing, coaching her children’s Little League teams and spending time with her family. She also appreciated quieter moments watching the Hallmark Channel and Murder, She Wrote.

Those who knew Sandy described her as a person who never treated anyone as a stranger. She became a bonus mother to many and was considered a loyal friend by those around her. Soft-spoken, compassionate and generous, she was known for being there whenever someone needed help.

Her family was at the center of her life, and she was especially proud of her four sons and deeply devoted to her grandchildren.

Sandy is survived by her children, Tyler Biernacki and his wife Janae, with their children Benton and Elsie of Garden City; Andrew Biernacki and his daughter Rylee of Timken; Colby Biernacki of Garden City; and Kelly Biernacki and his daughter Skylar of Lawrence. She is also survived by her husband, Steve Boone of Timken, and her sisters Kaye Garbers of Garden City, Pamela Birgenheier of Tacoma, Washington, and Linda Smith of Overland Park, Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her grandson Declan Biernacki and her half-brother Joe Clement.

In accordance with Sandy’s wishes, she will be cremated and no funeral or memorial service will be held.

Her family has asked that people remember her by reaching out to someone they love and telling them they are loved and remembered. They are respectfully declining flowers. Monetary donations are also not necessary, although anyone who chooses to give may have their contribution directed toward a future family gathering celebrating Sandy’s life.