Sally Jean (Willey) Fisher

Sally Jean (Willey) Fisher, age 88, of Dayton, OH, passed away peacefully in the presence of her loving family and caregivers on Monday, May 19, 2025. She was born on April 15, 1937, in Newark, Ohio, to the late Arthur and Evelyn (Force) Willey.

An enthusiastic member of Kappa Kappa Gamma at The Ohio State University, Sally attracted and kept friends throughout her life. Whether she was initiating Day Break as a project for the Junior League of Dayton or chairing one of the many parties and events she dreamed up and oversaw as a member of Moraine Country Club and the Miami Valley Hunt and Polo Club, Sally’s energy and style were unmistakable. An avid tennis player and golfer, she enjoyed sunning and sports almost as much as throwing unforgettable parties.

Through the years, Sally was passionate about her beloved pets; especially her spunky Jack Russell Terriers and her elegant cats. A lifelong animal lover, she supported the Humane Society as a matter of course and even volunteered her time at the Jupiter, Florida Humane Society while living in Florida.

Sally’s joie de vivre and Buckeye spirit were evident early on, most memorably when she and her roommate took the train from Columbus to Pasadena to cheer on Ohio State in their 1955 Rose Bowl Championship win.

Among many talents, Sally enjoyed a brief but very successful midlife real estate career. Her culinary skills will be deeply missed; especially by her family, who fondly recall fully home-cooked meals featuring fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, biscuits, and her signature blueberry pie. Likewise, her vibrant gardens were a tribute to her natural love of color and beauty.

No one could ask for a more spirited advocate than Sally, particularly when it came to her children and grandchildren, who could always count on an honest, wry, and slightly humorous assessment of any given situation and those conversations are now among the moments we will miss the most.

Sally is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Sandra Roberts; and nieces, Lisa and Laura Willey.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, John W. M. Fisher, Jr.; her son, John (Maureen) Fisher III; daughter, Marianne (Mike) Raab; grandchildren, Matthew Fisher, Mae Raab, Vivi Raab, Lily Fisher, and J.P. Fisher; siblings, George Willey, David Willey, and Beth Willey; and numerous extended family and friends.

Sally will be laid to rest at Woodland Cemetery Dayton in a private family ceremony. The family would like to thank the staff at The Carlyle House of Kettering and Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton for the exceptional care they provided Sally. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Humane Society of Greater Dayton or Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton.