Sally Ann Hurt

Sally A. (Dienstberger) Hurt, of West Jefferson, Ohio, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, July 27, 2025, in Oxford, Florida.

Sally was born in Delphos, Ohio, to Carl F. Dienstberger and Mary (Molly) J. (Smith) Dienstberger on December 3, 1935. She graduated from Delphos Jefferson High School in 1953. She went on to attend The Ohio State University School of Nursing and was a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority as well as Phi Beta Kappa Society. She graduated in 1957.

Sally married Dr. John Richard (Dick) Hurt on June 22, 1957, in Delphos, Ohio. They moved with the U.S. Navy to Taiwan, where she worked as an English teacher to local Taiwanese. While in Taiwan, their son, John Richard (Rick) was born in 1960. They returned to the United States after their tour of duty was completed and eventually settled in West Jefferson, Ohio. Their daughter, Sharyl Alyse (Shari) was born in 1965 in Columbus, Ohio.

Sally worked as a county health nurse for several years in Madison County and then stayed home raising their two children. She served the community of both West Jefferson and Columbus in many civic organizations. These included Columbus Association for the Performing Arts, March of Dimes, Friends of the Columbus Zoo, Buttons to Beaux Mother’s Club, Tennis Mothers and Others, Band Boosters, Lutheran Church Choirs and Alpha Gradale Sorority.

Sally then returned to nursing full-time for 20 years as an Occupational Health nurse for Battelle Research Labs after completing intensive biohazard training at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. She retired from Battelle in 2011. Sally moved to Wildwood, Florida, in 2012 with her husband Dick and remained in central Florida until her passing.

Sally and “Doc” were also instrumental in bringing the Shire draft horse to Ohio from England. They raised Shires for over 35 years on their farm. She loved to “horse around” at the Madison County Fair, Ohio State Fair, and Ox Roast enjoying shows and parades. Most of all, she loved spending time with all the “farm gang” over the years. Sally also enjoyed raising and training German Shepherds throughout her life.

She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, overwhelming generosity, and unwavering faith in Jesus. She will live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her and be part of her life.

Sally is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, Dr. John Richard (Dick) Hurt. Her parents, Carl F. and Molly Dienstberger, and brother Carl F. Dienstberger, Jr. 

Sally is survived by her children Dr. John Richard (Sonia) Hurt, II, and Sharyl A. (John) LeFavour, grandchildren Elizabeth A. LeFavour, John (Jack) A. LeFavour, Grace S. Hurt, and Sean N. Hurt. In addition, she is survived by her loving sister-in-law, Julie (Hurt) Farrell, nieces Amy (Farrell) Simon, Kirsten (Farrell) Wagner, great niece and nephews, Melissa Wagner, Connor, and Cole Simon, and cousin Kim (Bruce) Perrin. She is also survived by loving family members, Doris LeFavour, Dawn Binkley, and Robert Riley, as well as numerous special extended family and friends. And of course, beloved grand dogs, Jameson, Rosie, and Brownie (in Heaven).

Visitation will be held at the RADER-McDONALD-TIDD FUNERAL HOME, 1355 W. Main Street, West Jefferson, Ohio 43162 from 4:00-7:00 P.M. on FRIDAY, August 8, 2025.

Funeral Services will be held on SATURDAY, August 9th at St. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 55 Pasadena Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43228 with Pastor Larry Baker officiating. Church visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. followed by a funeral service at 10:30 A.M. and graveside service to follow at Sunset Cemetery, 6959 West Broad Street, Galloway, Ohio 43119.

Memorials and donations in lieu of flowers may be given to Amazing Grace Lutheran Church, 4886 CR-472, Oxford, FL 34484, www.AGLC.org, or to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org.