Isabelle Ayres Deafenbaugh passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 21, 2018, at Miller's Merry Manor. She was fondly referred to as “Champ” by her siblings and “Izzy” by her many friends.
Isabelle was born July 18, 1927, and was the daughter of Ed and Ruth Metzger Ayres. The Ayres family were longtime residents of Sidney. Isabelle graduated from Sidney High School with the class of 1944.
Isabelle was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Deafenbaugh; sons: Greg Holloway, Jim Deafenbaugh and Jeff Deafenbaugh; sisters: Ruby Montel, Edna Malloy, Mary Tridle and Louise Plummer; and nephew, Richard Sellars.
Isabelle is survived by daughters Sara Satterfield and Nilah Wagner; sons, Bill Deafenbaugh and Michael Holloway (wife Bo); and her brothers, Arden Ayres and Bill Ayres. She was beloved by many grandchildren, great- and great-great-grandchildren. She was also loved and cherished by many wonderful nieces and nephews. She was blessed in her life with many longtime devoted friends.
Isabelle lived over 20 years in Bradenton, Fla. She was a member of Sarasota First Brethren Church and Bradenton Moose Lodge, and a volunteer for the Red Cross, Manatee Hospital and Manatee Sheriff’s Department.
Before moving to Florida, she attended Warsaw First Brethren Church and was a member of Warsaw Moose Lodge. She volunteered for the Red Cross and the Democratic Party.
Isabelle will be remembered for a quick smile, amazing energy and love of dance, especially to “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” line dance. She was always the last one off of the dance floor. She was a one-of-a kind-woman with a great loving spirit. In her words, “she never met a stranger.”
The family would like to give special thanks to Sara Satterfield for being such a great caregiver. Many thanks to all of her family for their love and support, and to the many friends that touched her life. Thanks also to the amazing, caring staff at Miller’s Merry Manor. You brought much joy to her.
A memorial service will be held at First Brethren Church of Warsaw at 11 a.m. May 19. A reception and luncheon will follow for friends and family at Warsaw Moose Lodge.
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Memorials to First Brethren Church of Warsaw, Warsaw Moose Lodge or the American Red Cross.
