It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our wife and mom, Debra Kay Smith (Dyer). Deb passed away on August 29th, 2026, at the age of 67 after a brief but very strong fight against Stage 4 Kidney Cancer. 

Born on November 13th, 1958, in Fargo, North Dakota, Deb was the daughter of two hardworking parents, Vernon and Geraldine Dyer. Her parents were the owners of a service station and later, a hardware store. Working there, Deb quickly took on her mom’s excellent organizational skills and her dad’s friendly, outgoing personality.

Deb spent her childhood in Dilworth and Moose Lake, Minnesota, and moved to Little Falls in the sixth grade. Here, Deb’s wide network of friends began to grow. Her friendly nature continued long after her high school graduation. She excitedly looked forward to every high school reunion, and Deb would always come home from the weekend’s festivities having lost her voice from talking so much. She loved to socialize.

After high school, Deb attended Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota and graduated with a degree in elementary education. Deb completed student teaching for a year and decided to change paths and pursue new roles in office administration. This took her to the big city — Minneapolis — where she lived in Uptown with her girlfriends. They undoubtedly spent countless nights shopping, eating, talking, and exploring the city.

In 1987, Deb met the love of her life, Clay. Together, they put down roots in Shakopee, Minnesota, buying their lifelong home and raising their two children, Jill and Scott. Together, Deb and Clay were remarkable parents in ways big and small. Deb organized the kids' various activities — especially hockey — while Clay tirelessly transported and taught. Together, they always cheered them on. There was hardly an ice rink in Minnesota that Deb hadn’t been to.  

Deb and Clay made their church home at Cross of Peace Lutheran Church in Shakopee, Minnesota. One of the Smith family’s greatest memories of Cross of Peace was the annual summer garage sale. Talking to people was Deb’s favorite part of the day. She loved asking shoppers who they were shopping for or what she could help them find. 

Cross of Peace also gave Deb the opportunity to join a book club. Here, Deb belonged to the same book club for over 25 years. A voracious reader, Deb loved discussing all parts of literature and life. She had a sense of humor, a tender heart, and loved learning about different types of people through the books she read. This is an illustration of how she lived her life: curious, compassionate, and accepting. 

Deb’s social calendar didn’t slow down there. After retiring from Minnesota Print Management in 2019 after 35 years as Office Manager, Deb set her sights on her next hobby: knitting. What began as a hobby making simple washcloths quickly evolved into knitting with groups of women throughout the Twin Cities several days a week. She cherished her knitting friends to the very end. It wasn’t just about knitting for Deb, it was the conversation and connection that brought her so much joy. Oh, and the socks - she loved to knit socks. 

Of all her roles — wife, mother, sister, friend — the one she cherished most was being a grandma. The year 2025 blessed her with two beautiful grandchildren: Benjamin, born to Jill and Sean, and Kylie, born to Scott and Justyne. Only six months apart in age, Deb spent endless time cuddling, singing, playing, and reading with the two of them. She knit numerous hats, blankets, sweaters, and socks for her grandkids, and they will be cherished for years to come.

Through every avenue of her life, Deb was a loving person. She adored her husband, children, and grandchildren, and she loved her friends with her whole heart. Her smile, warmth, and her genuine interest in you made you feel seen and known. Even during her time in the hospital, Deb took a genuine interest in getting to know her doctors and nurses. We will miss her endlessly.

Deb is survived by her husband Clay; daughter Jill (Sean) Sitek; son Scott (Justyne) Smith; and her two beautiful grandchildren, Benjamin and Kylie. She is survived by her sister Shirley Dyer and brother Kevin Dyer, along with her niece and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Vernon, and mother, Geraldine. 

Deb wanted a celebration of her life, and not a sad one. Her family will be hosting a celebration at the (old) Badger Hill Brewing Taproom in Shakopee at a later date. Please come ready to celebrate. The family would also like to thank the staff at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park and at St. Gertrude’s in Shakopee for their care during this difficult time.