Sherri Kay Sanders

Sherri Kay Sanders, of Emet, Oklahoma, passed unexpectedly from this life on February 4th, 2026, at the age of 72. She was born in Texas on July 11, 1953, to Gaylord and Jean Sanders.

Sherri grew up and attended school in Bethel before marrying Allen Dean and moving to Shawnee, Oklahoma. She was an active member of Lakeview Church of Christ, where she faithfully taught Sunday school. Sherri believed deeply in putting family first and was known for her kind heart and generous spirit.

After earning her degree in early childhood education from East Central University, she served as an assistant educator in the Head Start program in Milburn, Oklahoma. For more than 15 years, she made a lasting impact on countless children and on the small community she loved. Sherri leaves behind a remarkable legacy and will be deeply missed by many.

She found her greatest joy camping with her family, especially during long summer weeks spent in a tent at Cold Springs. If she wasn’t beating you in Rummy or Wahoo, she was likely floating—without hesitation—in the freezing cold waters of Sulphur on “Super Float”.

At home, her creativity came to life through sewing and cross-stitching. She lovingly made clothing, blankets, and pillows for her family, each piece stitched with care and intention. Every Christmas, her handmade contribution to the annual “Dirty Santa” gift exchange became the most coveted prize, sparking playful competition and lasting memories for everyone involved.

Sherri was preceded in death by her parents, Gaylord and Jean Sanders; her siblings, Tommy Sanders and his wife, Debbie, and Richard Sanders; and her son, Justin Dean.

Surviving loved ones include her husband, Curt Slatton; her mother-in-law, Pat Slatton, of Milburn, OK; her siblings, Eddie Reed and his wife, Becky, of Dale, OK; Ruth Pittser of Depew, OK; Shiela Hutson and her husband, Warren, of Shawnee, OK; Teresa Barnett and her husband, Daryl, of Bethel, OK; and Debra Sanders of Shawnee, OK; her children, Blake Dean and his wife, Kimberly, of Edmond, OK; Analisa Beal and her husband, Greg, of Tecumseh, OK; Brandy Howell and her husband, James, of McLoud, OK; Mykah Schaffer and her husband, Alex, of Wapanucka, OK; and Tanner Bourne and Summer Garcia of Latta, OK; Ashley Slatton and Fiancé, Jose Arturo of Milpitas, CA; her grandchildren, Bryce and his wife, Sierra, Brittley, Keylie, Kaydee, Brandon, Kinzee, Bradlee, Jack, Paige, Keegan, Ava, Etraya, Emilia, Chloe, Brayden, and Sadie; her great-grandchildren, Hazel, Heidi, Andy, Teegan, Locklynn, and Emberlynn; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.

A memorial service will be at 10:00 am Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Highland Church of Christ, 905 E. Walnut St., Tecumseh, OK 74873.