Sally Redinger

With an adventurous spirit and insatiable curiosity, Sally Redinger lived a life defined by her love for family, lifelong dedication to education, and passion for preserving history. Sally welcomed each day as a gift and every person as a friend, enveloping others in her warm smile and inspiring joy with her infectious laugh. She was a lifelong learner who relished any opportunity to grow. A very smart cookie, Sally's practical common sense was always firmly rooted in extensive knowledge. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, educator, and friend, Sally’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Raised in Dearborn, Michigan, Sally shared an extraordinary bond with her twin sister that began at birth and remained a cherished part of her life. The sisters were inseparable throughout their childhood, often dressing alike and learning to sew their own clothes under the patient guidance of their mother, a talented seamstress. Sally was raised in a home that valued education, hard work, and perseverance. Her father taught history and physical education at Dearborn High School, where he also coached track, while her mother worked as a bookkeeper before later fulfilling her dream of becoming a teacher. Together, they instilled in their daughters the values that would guide them throughout their lives. Among Sally's fondest childhood memories were summers spent with family at Lake 13 in Farwell, Michigan. Those days on the water nurtured a lifelong love of fishing and created treasured memories that she carried with her throughout her life.

The family enjoyed many road trips, especially their annual drives to Florida to celebrate holidays with family. Sally and her sisters happily sang Christmas carols for miles. When Sally and her sister graduated from high school, their mother celebrated alongside them, earning her degree from Eastern Michigan University. To mark the occasion, the family embarked on an unforgettable eight-week journey through eight European countries, a trip that sparked Sally's lifelong love of travel.

While attending Edsel Ford High School, Sally met the love of her life, Steven A. Redinger. Although they first crossed paths in school, they truly got to know one another while working together at Baker Shoes. Their romance included one memorable detour when Sally accepted a date with Steve's best friend, George, making Steve just jealous enough to realize she was the one. Sally and Steve were married on January 25, 1969, beginning a lifetime of love, adventure, and shared interests. During the ceremony, they cleverly improvised the ring exchange after Sally's sister realized the rings had been left in the church basement. She retrieved them before anyone realized what had happened.

Nine months later, Sally and Steve welcomed their son, Scott. Steve's career as a park ranger took the young family to North Dakota, where Sally's appreciation for nature deepened. They later returned to Michigan, where their daughter, Samantha, was born. Though a firm and disciplined mother, Sally's love and support for her children never wavered.

After Steve's promotion, the family settled in Mattawan, where Sally found her calling as an elementary school teacher. For more than 30 years at Mattawan Elementary School, she inspired generations of students and had a remarkable gift for bringing history to life.

History was not only Sally's profession-it was her passion. The Civil War held a special place in her heart, especially after discovering one of her ancestors had served during that era. She enthusiastically participated in Civil War reenactments and led her students in raising funds to restore historic battle flags. Sally was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Historical Society of Michigan, and the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War 1861–1865. A devoted reader, she especially loved learning about Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln. Having worked at Greenfield Village as a young woman, she always enjoyed returning to see how it had evolved over the years.

Sally and Steve also shared a love of square dancing, clogging, and travel. Sally was always the navigator while Steve drove, studying maps, guidebooks, and brochures before and during every trip. She faithfully documented each day's adventures in journals and calendars and even became known for winning over TSA agents with cookies. Together they explored Europe, enjoyed numerous cruises, and spent countless summer vacations introducing their children to Civil War battlefields and historical sites, ensuring history became a living experience. In 2014, Sally, her sister, and their husbands shared another unforgettable adventure, a 22-day Panama Canal transition cruise. The sisters also treasured many vacations together in Gulf Shores, Alabama, and Sally delighted in unexpectedly running into former students while visiting Bermuda.

Above all else, Sally cherished her family. She became a grandmother in 1990 with the birth of Stephanie Lynn Redinger, followed by Sydney Renee Redinger in 1992, and a great-grandmother in 2019 when Sofia Lynn Redinger was born. While Sally had been a disciplined mother, her grandchildren knew only her gentler side. She delighted in spoiling them with books and clothes, sharing a love of the Harry Potter series, and spending summers creating Halloween costumes, embossing cards, scrap-booking family recipes, cross-stitching, and sewing together. Her keen eye for detail and love of teaching made every project an opportunity to learn.

After Steve's passing in 2015, She adopted two beloved puppies who brought Sally great comfort and companionship. Sally and her daughter Samantha shared a daily phone call, talking about their days and reminiscing over treasured family memories. Every opportunity she had she would read to her great granddaughter, Sofia. She enjoyed an added yearly trip to Charleston to visit her son and daughter-in-law. Her family will deeply miss her wisdom, practical common sense, and steady presence. She was always ready with thoughtful advice, unwavering support, and a wealth of knowledge.

Sally will be fondly remembered for her unwavering love of learning, her dedication to education, her passion for preserving history, her adventurous spirit, and her deep devotion to her family. She touched the lives of countless students, friends, and loved ones, leaving behind a legacy of knowledge, kindness, curiosity, and service.

Sally Jo (Navarre) Redinger, 80, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2026, at Bronson Methodist Hospital.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Steven A Redinger; sister, Sandra Kendall, and granddaughter, Stephanie Lynn Redinger. She is survived by her son, Scott A. Redinger; daughter-in-law, Catherine Redinger; her daughter, Samantha Anne Redinger; her granddaughter, Sydney Renee Redinger; great-granddaughter, Sofia Lynn Redinger; sister, Sue Liddie; and brother-in-law, William Liddie, along with many extended family members, friends, former students, and fellow history enthusiasts whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

Her legacy lives on in every student she inspired, every piece of history she helped preserve, and every family member who carries forward her love of learning and exploration.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life on Thursday, September 17, from 5-7 pm at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900, where food, drinks, and stories will be shared. The family will hold a private burial the following day.

Celebrate Sally’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com.