Sally Karyle Harlan

Sally Karyle (Montague) Harlan, 81 - affectionately known as "Bat-Gram" to her grandkids - died Friday, October 9, 2015 surrounded by her family. She was born in Fremont on June 20, 1934, the daughter of Earl and Elizabeth (Betty) Montague. Although Sally was a remarkably gentle, caring soul, she was also physically tough-as-nails. In fact, she had been born six weeks premature at a time when that meant virtually no chance of survival, but she decided to defy the odds and live a long, happy life, cherishing every day. She graduated in 1952 from Saint Joseph Central Catholic High School where she played trumpet in the band. On December 27, 1955, Sally married Don Harlan and they were married nearly 57 years before his passing in 2012. Before starting her family, she had been a magician's assistant and, later, used one of the tricks she picked up to get her children to take their baths by plucking a small bar of soap from behind their ears. Not only was she selfless toward her own children, giving them whatever they needed to pursue their interests, but many neighborhood kids adopted her as their "second mother." She was an excellent cook and a charming hostess at parties, many of them held in her home to celebrate successful productions at Fremont Community Theater, where she and her husband, Don, were actively involved both on- and off-stage. Sally and her husband could often be found side-by-side involved in numerous civic activities and organizations, including the Miss Sandusky Valley Pageant (preliminary to Miss America), the Fremont Sauerkraut Festival, and the Fremont Ross Music Alumni (FROMALUM) of which she was a Lifetime member. She also portrayed Lucy Webb Hayes, wife of President Rutherford B. Hayes (portrayed by Don), at Spiegel Grove and various functions around Fremont. She was also active as a leader for the Sandusky County Camp Fire organization, a member of the Ladies Federation of the Moose, and an avid bowler on the Ladies Bowling League at Maple Lanes. Among her many jobs, she worked at Joseph's Department Store, drove a school bus for the Fremont School System, was the first principal's secretary at Riley School 7th grade annex - which was only open from Fall of 1973 - June 1981, sold portrait packages at Olan Mills Studio, and co-owned Granny's Supper Club in Sandusky. Sally also worked at Cedar Point, starting out as a greeter, and advanced to tour guide, where she took joy in guiding the families of Cleveland Browns quarterbacks Bernie Kosar and Vinny Testaverde during their visit to the theme park. One of her favorite jobs (and her last before retiring at the ripe old age of 77) was working in the toll booth on the Ohio Turnpike. She always had a smile for the truckers on their regular routes and gave them home-made beef jerky. She had many fun stories about the people she'd met, including a few famous faces on their fancy tour busses. Sally loved nature, tending to her many flowers and unusual plants in her various gardens, and she could often be found feeding the birds and squirrels that would gather in her front yard. She nicknamed her favorite squirrel "Skippy" and had a castle installed for him in her tree. A tireless friend to animals, she had many well-loved family pets, including more than a few strays she nursed back to health and welcomed into her home. She will be remembered for making everything, and everyone, better through her unselfish acts of kindness. Surviving family includes children: Mary Methner (Greg) Lowe of Green Springs, Terri (Andrew) Dean of Ocala, FL, Don, Jr. of Fremont and Dan (Jen Weston) of Columbus; grandchildren: Ryan Shondell (Cindy Cline), Eric (Amanda) Shondell, Cory (Angie) Shondell, Adam Methner (Jenny Whitehead), Andrew (Sarah) Aspacher and Madalin Aspacher (Derek Tylor); great-grandchildren: Matthew, Cole, Cory Jr., and Tyler Shondell; brother, Earl "Jack" (Dottie) Montague of Rockwall, TX. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Don, and sister, Shirley Musser. A tribute to her life will be held during visitation from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, October 21 at Herman-Kinn Funeral Home, 900 North St., Fremont, OH. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Promedica Memorial Hospice or Another Chance Animal Sanctuary, in Clyde. Services and burial will be at a later date.