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Sallie Jane Dersham, 86, of Tyrone, and a guest of Graystone Manor Bellmeade, passed away on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024.
She was born in Altoona on Aug. 6, 1938, the daughter of the late Deatlef and Thelma (Shenefelt) Mills.
On Aug. 10, 1963, in Tyrone, she married Ernest Dersham, who survives. She and her husband shared a birthday, as well as 61 years of marriage.
Also surviving are two daughters, April (Greg) Ferguson and Melissa (Bo) Miller; three grandchildren, Jimmy, Gregory and Andrew Ferguson; three nieces, Patti (Shane) Turcotte, Natalie Kane and Christine DelGrosso; a nephew, Bun (Buffy) Dersham; and her beloved dog, Nellie.
She was preceded in death by two siblings, Marie Williams and D. Curtis Mills; and a nephew, David Mills.
Sallie was a 1956 graduate of Tyrone Area High School and a 1960 graduate of Lock Haven State Teachers College. She was a kindergarten teacher in the Tyrone Area School District and taught at Y-Tots. She also owned a ceramics business.
She was a member of First English Lutheran Church, and a lifetime member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
She enjoyed ceramics, reading, Tyrone wrestling and Penn State wrestling. She and her husband were season ticket holders for over 25 years. She also loved pugs and watching Jeopardy and would not field a call during episodes.
At Sallie's request, there will be no services.
Contributions in her memory may be made to the Tyrone Wrestling Boosters, 1001 Clay Ave., Tyrone, PA 16686.
The family would like to thank the staff at Graystone Manor Bellmeade, and Dawn and Gentiva Hospice.
Arrangements are under the care of Richard H. Searer Funeral Home, Inc., Tyrone, Pa.