Sandra L (Slemmons) Deerhake

Sandra L. Deerhake, 85, of New Knoxville, died Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at her residence.

She was born July 31, 1939, in Saint Marys, the daughter of Herschel and Helen (McDonald) Slemmons.

She married Robert Deerhake on August 29, 1959, at the First Baptist Church in Saint Marys, and he survives in New Knoxville.

She is also survived by her children: Robbie (Ted) Hoelscher of New Knoxville; Todd Deerhake of New Knoxville; Amy (Greg) Wilkins of the Caribbean; Amanda Deerhake of Lexington, Kentucky; Anthony Deerhake of Wapakoneta. 

She is survived by her grandchildren: Jade Deerhake; Jessica Hoelscher; Max Hoelscher; Matt Wilkins; Lara Wilkins; Lauren Deerhake; Clara Deerhake; Landon Jones. She is also survived by her sisters: Suzanne Ankerman of Saint Marys and Christina (Dennis) Krauss of Texas.

Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; by her sister, Patricia (Bob) Adams; her brother-in-law, Kenneth Ankerman; by her beloved  grandson, Preston Deerhake; by Robert’s brothers Reuben (Pauline) Deerhake; Marvin (Mary) Deerhake; Lee Deerhake; Gene Deerhake.

Sandy was a 1957 graduate of Saint Marys Memorial High School. She had worked as a housekeeper at Americahost in Saint Marys and previously at the Equity and IGA in Saint Marys. She was a ticket-taker at New Knoxville High School sporting events for many years. She was a member of the First Church of New Knoxville where she had served as a Sunday School teacher and consistory member for many years. Sandy was a talented artist and her paintings and drawings hang on her family’s walls. She also liked to knit and sew and made many dresses for her daughters. She was a very creative woman and loved her family more than anything. She and Robert enjoyed spending winters in Florida and going on cruises with her siblings and extended family. She was a big fan of the OSU Buckeyes.

 Funeral rites will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, February 1, 2025,  at the First Church of New Knoxville, the Reverend Joel Bucklin, officiant. Memorial gifts may be given to the Sunday School Department of the First Church of New Knoxville to support Christian education.

Vornholt-Miller Funeral Home, 200 West Spring Street, New Knoxville, is entrusted with Sandy’s funeral arrangements. Memories and condolences may be sent to her family via Millerfuneralhomes.net