Sarah DEETS Obituary

DEETS, Sarah Elizabeth

NAPLES, FL, AND DAYTON, OH, Sarah Elizabeth Deets, 102, passed away peacefully and

surrounded by family on October 14, 2020. Sarah was born in North Platte, NE, on November 28, 1917, to John Wesley

and Cora Dell (Castleman) McMichael. She was preceded in death by her beloved

husband of 63 years, Milton L. Deets, in 2008, and her sister, Gertrude Wiser Kaelber.

Sarah attended the State Teachers College of Colorado (currently UNC, Greeley). After the death of her father, she

returned to North Platte to help her mother in the family business, McMichael's Grocery and Market. Sarah graduated in 1943 with a BS from Nebraska State Teachers College, Kearney (currently UNK) and was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority. In 1944 she began her much loved teaching career. Following WWII, Sarah and Milton were married and immediately set off for Dayton, OH, where Milton continued his Army Air Corps tour at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Sarah

furthered her education with a MS from Wright State University and where she completed her PHD studies. For many years, she was a dedicated elementary teacher in Beavercreek, OH, schools. Sarah moved to Naples, FL, in 2013 to be closer to family.

A member of Belmont United Methodist Church since 1952, Sarah also held memberships in Dayton League of Women Voters, Dayton College Women's Club, Dayton Federation of Women's Clubs, Ohio Valley Antique Machinery Assoc., Dark County Steam Thrashers' Assoc., and Daughters of the

American Revolution Naples-on-the-Gulf Chapter. Sarah,

petite and elegant, had boundless strength, energy and

curiosity; loving to travel in all the US states and far-flung countries around the world. She even was riding elephants in Zimbabwe at age 96! Her daily zeal in living, happy

disposition and unfailing kindness made her a delight and

inspiration. She will be sorely missed.

In Dayton, Sarah and Milton joyfully and proudly raised their children: Jean Moran (Christopher Boule'), Naples, FL; Kay (Manuel) Cheek, Orange Park, FL; Douglas (Suzanne) Deets, Murfreesboro, NC. She is also survived by 5 cherished grandchildren: Robynn Douthit, Sybil Fleming, Laura Cheek, Michael Cheek, Benjamin Deets and 11 great-grandchildren.

Sarah will be buried alongside her husband at Dayton National Cemetery. The family will hold a private service. Contributions to her memory may be made to League of Women

Voters of Greater Dayton Area or Avow Hospice, Naples, FL.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Dayton Daily News from Oct. 23 to Oct. 25, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Sarah DEETS

8 Entries

Jill Ervin, Red Oak Rd

October 14, 2021

The last time we saw Sarah she had invited us to join her for brunch at 10 Wilmington Place. I think she invited all the neighbors in turn. She bustled around as if she owned the place, wanting to show us around, bubbling her wisdom as always. Sure do miss Sarah and Milton!

Deborah Troutman

October 31, 2020

Sarah, a wonderful woman that I so admired. I met Sarah while she resided at 10 Wilmington Place in Dayton, Ohio. I was a newly certified massage therapist hired to work there. I always enjoyed talking with Sarah about her life adventures. She was inspiring and I spoke of her often to others about her fearlessness and desire to travel. Thank you Sarah for all your wonderful stories of travel and inspiring me to get out there and explore the world. Traveling is an ageless experience.

Tara Sammons

October 25, 2020

I was so sorry to hear about Mrs. Deets passing. She was my second grade teacher at Fairbrook Elementary. While that was 42 years ago, and I don't remember much about it, I remember every day at the beginning of class we would recite the Pledge of Allegiance and then sing You're a Grand Old Flag. I don't hear that song often but anytime I did, I always thought of her.

Jill Ervin

October 24, 2020

Mrs Deets gave me a little grading wheel, knowing I was a teacher. I used it until I also retired from teaching. Mr and Mrs Deets were wonderful neighbors and friends. We think of them often. We are so sorry for your great loss.
Jill (and Paul) Ervin

Melanie Tirey

October 23, 2020

My deepest sympathy for the loss of your mother.

Colleen A Caulfield

October 23, 2020

I will fondly remember Sarah from 10 Wilmington Place in Dayton. I work with the Podiatrist that is there on a monthly basis. She was always chatting about something, and showed me some incredible pictures of a cruise she took. Energetic is an understatement!! I thought about her from time to time, and love that she lived such a wonderful life. Condolences to ALL of her family members.

Mary Hurst, College Women's Club

October 23, 2020

The College Women's Club extends sympathy to Sarah's family. We cherish our members, treasure the memories and mourn their passing.

Cynthia Bockq

October 22, 2020

A much loved member of our DAR chapter. She will be missed. Love and hugs to her family.

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