Sally Jo Dean

Sally, a loving mother and wife, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 4, 2026. Sally was the first born to Ivan and Edith Craft (Wing) on December 15, 1936, in Mt. Pleasant, MI. She was a 1955 graduate of Sexton High School. Sally was employed by Michigan State University for many years where she served as a dessert baker in the Union Building cafeteria and as a telephone operator out of the Public Safety Building. She will be remembered as a Christian who loved to share the gospel of Christ with others and testify as to God's goodness. Like her mother, she was a prayer warrior and encourager to countless family, friends, and even strangers. Sally had the God-given gift of music. Over her entire lifetime, she played the piano and organ and sang for many local churches in the Lansing area. She enjoyed shopping with her daughter, listening to southern gospel music, traveling, needlepoint, and working in her flower gardens. She is preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, Gerald Dean, parents Ivan and Edith Craft, her brother Haven Craft, sister Janet Bishop, brother-in-law Frank Bishop, stepson Bert Dean, and ex-husband and lifelong friend, William Hutcheson. She is survived by her daughter, Sandra (Joseph) Anson, stepson Paul (Laura) Dean, stepdaughter Alma Jo VanWinkle, stepdaughter-in-law Kathy Dean, and many step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Our gratitude and deep appreciation is extended to all the employees at Vista Springs Timber Ridge, former and present, who made the final years of her life so comfortable. We also thank Heart to Heart for the amazing hospice care provided. If you wish to make a contribution in memory of Sally's life, you can donate to the City Rescue Mission of Lansing.

Visitation services will be held at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home East Lansing Chapel on May 8, 2026 from 6-8PM. Funeral Services will be held on May 9, 2026 at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home East Lansing Chapel at 10:30 AM followed by a committal service at East Lawn Memory Gardens.