Sally J. (Groh) Whiston

Age 83, of Massillon, passed away in Midland, MI, on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, following a short illness. She was born Dec. 30, 1937, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Ernest and Myrtle (Hook) Rezac. A 1955 graduate of Lincoln High School, she moved to Ohio in 1958 with her husband and daughter. Her working career spanned more than 50 years and she retired as a contract administrator from the former Ecodyne MRM in 2001.

She was an active community volunteer her entire life, contributing her talent and time to organizations that ranged from Professional Secretaries International to the First Ladies Library. She particularly enjoyed sharing her passion of history as a re-enActor of famous women. Countless community and women’s groups across Ohio enjoyed her portrayals of First Ladies Julia Grant and Rachel Jackson as well as her stories about Victoriana, hats, and the White House’s working animals and pets.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister Peggy; her husband of 24 years James E. Whiston; and the father of her children Fred Groh. She is survived by her sister Donna Paul of Allen Park, MI; her daughter Kari Groh (Gary Whiston) of Bonita Springs, FL, and son Jon (Diana) Groh of Loveland, OH; her close family friend Paul Gault; five grandchildren: Jeff Gault, Lindsey (Christopher) Stemple, Megan (Andrew) Weisenberger, Erica (Matthew) Dickert and Jacob (Allie) Groh; and four great-grandchildren Neal and Grant Stemple, Sophie Weisenberger and Ethan Dickert. She also is survived by step-children Valorie (William) Crusey, Elaine (Mark) Hauberg, and Eric Whiston; and step-grandchildren Lauren Hauberg, Tyler and Garret Crusey, and Claire and Catherine Whiston.

Her friends and family will dearly miss her sparkling mind, quick wit, social planning and conversation.

A life-long avid reader, she considered the public library her mainstay and donations in her memory may be made to the non-profit Friends of the Stark County District Library, 715 Market Ave N., Canton, OH 44702. A private service will precede her interment at Sunset Hills Memory Gardens in Canton.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunsethillsbp.com for the Whiston family.