Sara Jane Tryon

Sara "Sally" Jane Tryon passed away May 9, 2023, after 94 years of a life well-lived. Sally was born in Columbus, Ohio on April 7, 1929 to Charles D. Brooks and Riva Brooks. In about 1936 the family moved to Dayton, Ohio when Charles was named the General Manager of the Continental Baking Company, which was the originator of Twinkies and Wonder Bread. Sally had a part time job at the bakery when she was in High School. She attended Northridge High School and graduated in the class of 1947. The members of the '47 Class were still holding reunions up until 2020 (the 73rd reunion!) even with their numbers dwindling, when COVID put an end to their gathering.

In May 1950, Sally Brooks married Robert "Bob" Tryon after meeting him on a blind date. Bob had served in the US Navy in WWll and in 1951 he was called up for active duty for the Korean Conflict. Off they drove cross country with their 6 week old newborn, Cathy. While living in San Diego, second daughter, Crystal was born. After discharge, they returned to Ohio, and in 1957 son, Todd was born. This busy and lively young family, with Sally at the helm, was full of love and laughter and guidance, sometimes even with a strong hand!

Over the years, Sally held positions of a Brownie Leader, Hardscrabble Little League Mom, PeeWee Football Mom, Northmont Band Mom, Northmont Drill Team Mom, Northmont Football Mom, seamstress of our prom dresses, and the knitter of our favorite childhood sweaters. In addition, she worked as a Real Estate Broker for over 25 years. She also was a civilian employee at the Dayton VA Hospital and then obtained a position at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, spending over 20 years there as a Financial Case Manager in the Saudi Arabia Program and the Yemen Program. In her role with WPAFB Sally traveled around the country and to bases in Europe and Saudi Arabia, with trips which included the UK, Germany and France She made many lasting and dear friends of her colleagues in her years of service. Sally retired from her position as a Financial Program Manager of the Saudi Program at WPAFB in 1999.

Traveling was a big part of Sally's life, as she learned what it meant to pack up first her newborn, then 3 young children for a serendipitous adventure spontaneously sprung on her on a Friday afternoon. Bob's wanderlust could take us to the Port of Toledo to watch the ships come in, Natural Bridge State Park in Kentucky , or camping in Leelanau, Michigan. With a bit more planning, it became Kitty Hawk, NC, climbing the Statue of Liberty, and the most adventurous road trip of all, to the World's Fair in Seattle in 1962. Early summers included lots of family time at the pool and gatherings with the extensive families of the Brooks' and Tryons and all the nieces and nephews. Of course, the Darke County Fair was the highlight of every summer. In later years, travel was extended to abroad with the granddaughters to the Europe. The travel lust of our family is now firmly planted in the next generation!

Those eagerly anticipated Grandchildren first arrived in 1987. Sally was a major influence in the lives of Kaitlyn and Natalie Mays, followed by Brooks and Whitney Tryon. Her life lit up with little girls in the kitchen baking, splashing in the swimming pool, and coloring books. Brooks and Whitney added football, volleyball and softball games with Grandma as an avid supporter.

Sally was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Tryon in 1980; her sisters Polly Brooks Adams, Judy Brooks Wise and Sandy Brooks Kadel, as well as her brother Chuck (Charles) Brooks. She is Survived by sisters Margie Brooks Phillips and Linda Brooks Ilo; daughters Cathy Tryon; Crystal Tryon and granddaughters Kaitlyn Mays and Natalie Mays & husband Josh Roe; son Todd Tryon and wife Diane, grandson Brooks Tryon and granddaughter Whitney Tryon; and the caring families of nieces and nephews which has grown over the decades. Sally's doting will be sorely missed by her furry doggie family of Sassy, Louie and Max.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2023 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm at the Newcomer North Chapel, 4104 Needmore Road, Dayton. A memorial service will follow at 2:00pm.

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