Sally Dreon

When reflecting on the life of Sally Dreon, it is easy to see both her unwavering strength and her unconditional love for her family. She was well known for her selfless spirit of generosity, and her sense of humor helped her to always keep an optimistic outlook on life. A proud wife and mother, Sally was overjoyed to watch her family tree blossom to include so many loved ones. She poured her heart and soul into everything that she did, and she was always willing to go above and beyond to help those around her. Deeply loved, Sally will be forever missed.

The 1930s were some of the most trying days we have faced as a nation as the entire nation was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. Jobs were scarce, the unemployment rate soared, and things only become more dire when a drought covered our nation’s heartland for nearly two years during this time. Despite the trials around them, Donald Murphy and Lillian Vandenberg couldn’t contain their joy as they announced the birth of the baby girl they named Sally Jean on November 16, 1934, in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Growing up, Sally was a typical young girl of her generation in many ways. She was raised in the family home alongside her fraternal twin sister, Sue. Throughout her childhood, Sally grew to be very close with Sue and were always able to be there for each other when it truly mattered. Sally also maintained a very close relationship with her mother. She enjoyed a childhood full of love and went on to graduate from Central High School, ready to move on to bigger and better things.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Sally as she met the man who would soon become the love of her life. His name was Louis Dreon, and the two first met at the Prairie Schooner in Prairieville. Louis instantly caught Sally’s eye as she thought he was quite handsome. At the same time, he thought that she was beautiful and would make a good mother one day. They began spending time together and developing a close relationship, and they especially enjoyed going out on dates and dancing. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Sally and Louis were married in the presence of friends and family, beginning their bright future together.

All who knew Sally would certainly agree that of all the things she loved in life, she treasured her family above all else. Throughout their years together, she and Louis were blessed to welcome their three beloved children into their hearts and home. Sally was overjoyed to become a mother to Maria, Julia, and Louis, and she strove to raise them into kind and hardworking individuals. She also did her best to provide a welcoming and stable home for her children so that they could always feel accepted and loved. Louis was the stern parent of the two while Sally was a bit more lenient. While the children were younger, the family enjoyed renting a cabin in Paw Paw for a quick getaway. Later in life, Sally was thrilled to become a grandmother to Shane, Alexa, Celisse, Maxwell, Olivia, and Elliott, and she doted on them whenever she could. Always the caring mother and grandmother, she would go above and beyond to make sure that her loved ones had everything they needed.

In order to support herself and her family, Sally worked as a supervisor within the plant for the Upjohn Company for several years. She was able to make many lasting friendships throughout her time with the company. Sally had dabbled in the world of antiquing with her sister, Sue, but she was truly introduced to the hobby by a friend, Yvonne Staudacher. The two ran a booth together at an event, and from there antiquing became one of Sally’s lifelong passions. After several years of renting a booth at the mall, Sally was able to purchase it and begin a business of her own. She retired from Upjohn in order to devote herself to the Schoolcraft Antique Mall, which quickly became her pride and joy. Sally worked tirelessly to make the antique mall the best it could be, even spending all night there just to make sure everything would be perfect the next day. Sally had a true love for antiquing. She enjoyed going to estate sales as well, and once her children were older, she would often take them along. Sally liked to share stories about the antiques in her home as well.

Never one to sit still for long, Sally pursued many hobbies to stay busy in her free time. She and Louis loved traveling together, and though their trips usually revolved around his work and conventions, they always found a way to enjoy the destinations. Sally took many trips to Shipshewana, and while she was there she would give some of the children she saw a little bit of money for a snack. She liked to spend time in the kitchen and made great casseroles, and her pasta sauce recipe, which had been handed down through the family, was a true favorite. Sally collected recipes that were special to her, and she often made “Sweet Sally’s,” a unique mixture of spices that she would use to scent pinecones. Among her friends and loved ones, she was known for her wonderful Christmas celebrations. She was a homemaker who always kept her house spotlessly clean, and she loved animals with all her heart. Sally wrote little stories on everything, even on the checks she wrote, and she was very smart and had a remarkable memory.

As her family and friends can attest, Sally Dreon truly understood the secret to a life well lived. She was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times. With her bright blue eyes and generous spirit, Sally touched the hearts and lives of so many. She treasured her loved ones above all else, and her sense of humor could light up any room. Sally brought a special flair into the world that simply cannot be replicated. Though she will be deeply missed, Sally leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Sally Dreon, of Kalamazoo, Age 87, died on April 6, 2022. Sally was preceded in death by her husband, Louis; her parents; and her step-father, Lyle Sherrod; fraternal twin sister, Sue Morello; niece and nephew: Candice Sue Morello and Michael Joseph Morello.

Surviving are her children: Maria Dreon (Darrell) Pennington, Julia Dreon (Ronnie) Ryan, and Louis Dreon II; grandchildren: Shane, Alexa, Celisse, Maxwell, Olivia, and Elliott; and nieces and nephews: Charlie (Mary) Morello, Scott (Dina Ron) Morello, and Robert (Darla) Morello.

Private services will be held with burial at Genesee Prairie Cemetery. Visit Sally’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos, and sign her guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to Kalamazoo Animal Rescue. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo 269-375-2900.