Sara Lane

Sara Elizabeth Lane Decker Libby Sara E. Lane Libby of Ottawa Hills, died peacefully on September 29, 2011 with her husband Rex at her bedside, after a prolonged but valiant fight against cancer. Libby was born on October 20, 1946, the daughter of William C. Lane and the late Elizabeth D. Lane. Libby grew up in Westfield, Massachusetts, was educated at the Knox School, the MacDuffie School and attended college in Boston. Her proudest educational achievement was earning her B.A. in Theatre Arts at the University of Toledo, which led to acting and stage managing and directing plays at the Toledo Repertoire Theatre and back stage at the Stranahan Theatre. When she wasnt sewing costumes or helping actors run their lines, Libby made magic in the kitchen. She loved cooking and feeding her family, friends and her neighbors in Ottawa Hills. One of her favorite parties was hosting the Valentines Day party for her friends and neighbors. She always made room at the table for anyone who couldnt be with their own family during the holidays. In 2010 she accomplished a life long dream of going to Paris and then spent a week in Julia Childss house in Provence and cooking in her kitchen. Libby loved to garden and she was often outside her home digging up the beds, planting new bulbs and bushes while her dogs laid in the grass nearby. Libby loved anything artistic and volunteered her time, energy and creativity to childrens theatre especially Shakespeare for Kids. She worked in the theatre at Ottawa Hills High School Theatre Department and was so proud of the students accomplishments. Recently, Libby and Rex joined the Toledo chapter of Chaine des Rotisseurs and enjoyed a few fabulous dinners. Libby loved the water. She was the first female lifeguard employed by the State of Maine. Each morning when she was well, Libby could be found at the YMCA Swim Club at Wolf Creek. These were the joys that made Libby smile each day. During her two and a half year battle with cancer, Libbys friends and neighbors cared, loved and drove her any time of the day or night. Rex and her family are deeply grateful for their love and support, especially Jenner, Olivia and Sophie. Special gratitude to goes to Dr. Garth Phipps and Dr. Steve Rubin, the Hickman Cancer Center, and all the healthcare providers on the oncology unit of the Toledo Hospital who took such loving care of Libby. Libby is survived by her best friend and husband of 19 years Rex Decker. Libbys life with Rex was her happiest time as they both enjoyed traveling, entertaining friends and being at home together with their dogs. They complimented each other in every way and had fun every day of their lives together. During Libbys two and a half year battle with cancer, Rex never left her side. He was her hero and she was his champion. Libby is also survived by her daughters, Julie Russ Jacobs and Jennifer Lee Shannon; two grandchildren, Lindsey Jacobs and Noah Shannon; her sisters, Lee Troy Harden, Linda Hemingway Merriman and Lindsey Lane; her father, William C. Lane and his wife, Lilias Lane. The family will receive friends at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Avenue west of Corey Rd. on Friday, October 7, 2011 from 4-7pm. A Memorial Service at Walker Funeral Home will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2011 at 2:00pm In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Toledo Repertory Theatre, Hickman Cancer Center, National Public Radio, Humane Society of Lucas County or a charity of the donors choice in Sara Libby Lanes name. Online condolences may be shared at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.