Jean Davies Rightmyer

Jean Davies Rightmyer was born March 22, 1930, to Lee and Dora Belle Davies in Toledo, Ohio. She died on August 31, 2024, at The Glenridge in Sarasota, and was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, and her husband of 54 years, John H. Rightmyer. Because Jean and John were both only children, family was very important to them. They had three children; Nancy Turner (James), Lee (Caryn), and John S. To support their children, both parents spent countless hours driving them throughout Toledo and across the State of Ohio, to officiate at swim meets, cheer at football games, and Jean selflessly judged high school speech contests.

She was a dedicated grandmother to Michael and John Grant Rightmyer, Jamie Turner, and Libby Turner Dickstein (Brett). Her great-grandchildren Ian and Sophie Dickstein brought her endless joy.

Strong in her faith, Jean was a member of Christ Presbyterian Church in Toledo and the Church of the Palms in Sarasota. She often attended the Protestant services at The Glenridge twice a week, as well as attending devotions in the Carroll Center.

She attended Monroe Elementary School and, after her family moved to the Old Orchard neighborhood – she attended Old Orchard Elementary School. Jean was a proud DeVilbiss Tiger who met her husband John on a blind date – and like him, she became a Toledo Rocket.

Jean and John were longtime members at the Highland Meadows Golf Club, and later in Florida, members of the Laurel Oak Country Club. Jean was a passionate golfer; as her children grew and became more independent, she could be found on a golf course as many as five times a week (she would have preferred to golf six times a week, but Highland Meadows Golf Club was closed on Mondays). Through competitive golf, she gained many lifetime friendships and won many awards, including being recognized as the three-time winner of the Toledo Women’s District Golf Association’s Lena Brundage Award. She also criss-crossed the State playing in the Women’s Ohio State Golf Association tournaments.

She was very well traveled: Golf in Scotland, visiting friends in Great Britain, cruising through Europe, the Caribbean, and Alaska, too, a safari in Africa, an art exchange in Cuba, vacationing in South American, fishing in Canada, and visiting most of the United States.

Jean had a keen sense of adventure and she was willing to try almost anything with friends/family. Over the years, she had many creative outlets, including: gardening, sewing, gourmet cooking, beading, and basket making. She was also an avid bridge player, although she enjoyed the time spent with friends more than the competition. Even late in life, she enjoyed arts and crafts, bingo, and balloon ball at the Carroll Center. She was a good sport and never wanted to miss out.

Warm and outgoing, Jean only had friends and never met a stranger. One word everyone used to describe Jean was FUN. Her sense of humor was contagious. She never took a bad picture because she was always smiling.

It would be remiss not to mention her love of dogs. Throughout her life, Jean made sure that her family included beloved purebreds and perfect mutts, and she rescued two dogs along the way. We suspect that when Jean reached the Gates of Heaven, her personal escort had a wagging tail.

Donations may be made to : Affinity Care Hospice, 8590 Potter Park Dr, Sarasota, FL 34238.