Sally (Sara) Hetzler Davis passed away peacefully on August 4, 2024. She was born in Rochester on November 12, 1947, the daughter of the late Dr. Norman and Grace Walker Hetzler of Monaca. She is survived by her four children, Thomas Brandon, David, Maggie Davis (Craig),and Sara Valasek (Jason); her sisters Betsy Hetzler and Sunny Whitlock; her niecesand nephews, Marc Whitlock, Katie Capallo (Joe), Annie, Trip, and Junior Hetzler; hergreat-nephew and niece William and Abbie Capallo; and her belovedgranddaughters Ceresa Morsaint and Sophia Valasek. Her entire family will alwaysremember and cherish Sally for all of her kindness, humor, and generosity of spirit. Their fondest memory and greatest comfort will always be shared moments hearing her distinctive laugh.

As a mother, sister, aunt, friend, and educator, Sally left an indelible mark on the lives of those who knew and loved her.

Following her graduation Magna Cum Laude from Grove City College in 1969, Sally proudly served in the United States Navy through the WAVES program. However, Sally found her life’s calling as an English teacher who inspired her students to find their literary voices. Upon retirement, Sally lovingly said about her career and students, “Twenty-five years in a profession I loved. I am grateful. I wish they could know that.”

An avid gardener, Sally lovingly created her English garden where she spent many hours with a cup of tea and a good book. She dedicated herself to promoting the Monaca Library and served as Secretary on the Board.

Sally was an author of poetry and fiction since she could first hold a pencil. Her poetry appeared in The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and The Broad River Review. It has been anthologized in the Writing Project chapbooks, Threads and Riverspeak, as well as inPoeArt: Where Poetry, Spoken Word and Visual Art Intersect, a series of readings, one in conjunction with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. Her work is also included inLavenderia, a Mixed Load of Women, Wash, and Words, published by City Works Press. She was a Fellow of the Western Pennsylvania Writing Project at the University of Pittsburgh. These collective works are now a legacy left to those who love her, a vault of memories, the gift of reading her pieces, and feeling as though she’s sitting right beside you.

Visitation be held at Simpson Funeral Home in Monaca on Sunday, August 18 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., and a memorial service will also be held there on Monday, August 19 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Monaca Library.