Mary Dean (Crew) Sanders

Mary Dean Sanders of Oxford, Ohio passed away on September 17th.  In high school, Mary Dean was active in various activities, such as the marching band, the debate squad, the glee club, and cheerleading.  She was also editor of the school paper.  Mary Dean made straight A’s throughout high school and was co-valedictorian with her best friend. 

In 1944 during World War II, she applied and was hired by Civil Service.  She trained in Utah and served in Hawaii at Hickam Air Force Base doing accounting work.

Mary Dean attended Southeastern State College in Durant Oklahoma where she participated in the debate program and entered several debate tournaments, one in which she and her partner were undefeated.  It was here where she met her future husband, Gerald. 

Jerry and Mary Dean made their home in various cities in Texas where Jerry managed and owned radio stations.  In 1968, they relocated to Wooster, Ohio where Jerry became Chair of the Speech Department at the College of Wooster, and Mary Dean worked in the Food Service Department.  In 1982, they relocated to Oxford, Ohio where Jerry was Chair of the Communications Department at Miami University, and Mary Dean worked for the Pulp and Paper Foundation.  Oxford has been their home since. 

In Mary Dean’s words, they were “blessed with four children.”  Her beloved husband passed in February of this year, and Randall Wayne, the beloved baby of the family, passed last year in May.  She is survived by her son Michael Dwaine, daughters Rose Ann and Susan, granddaughter Michelle Walker, and great grandson Colton Lee Walker.

Mary Dean was a beloved member of the Oxford community where she had many meaningful and lasting friendships.  She will be greatly missed.

Memorial services will be held at Ogle & Paul Young Funeral Home, 5086 College Corner Pike in Oxford, Ohio on Saturday, October 6th at 2:00 P.M.

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