Ethlynn Dewitt

Dewitt, Ethlynn "Sis" 5/31/1932 - 3/21/2022 Kalamazoo Sis Dewitt died March 21, 2022 at Rose Arbor in Kalamazoo with her son and daughter by her side. She was born May 31, 1932 in Rochester, Michigan to the late Herman and Florence (Axford) Roegner. After graduation from St. Clair High School (class of '50), she attended Western Michigan University and received a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education in 1954. Kalamazoo became home to her for the rest of her life. Her PE teaching career began at Nazareth Academy until she gave birth to her son Bobby who was born in 1963 with Down Syndrome launching her into a fulfilling and rewarding career teaching Special Education at the John F. Kennedy Center School where she retired in 1989. After her retirement, she could be found driving around the area in the Cookie Mobile delivering for Cookies by Design. Sis said the best part of delivering cookie bouquets was seeing the smiles it put on people's faces. Sis was involved with Michigan Special Olympics since its inception in 1968 and served in various roles including chaperone, coach, Assistant Area Director, and a friend to all. Her life was devoted to giving to others any way possible without ever expecting anything in return. She received numerous awards and recognition for her many years of service and significant contributions, but those who knew her know she never enjoyed being in the spotlight and preferred to quietly make her contributions without fanfare. Sis loved playing sports most of her life and continued playing softball in the Senior Olympics. In 2003, she received a long-awaited varsity letter from WMU for tennis (because that was the only sport females could play while she attended college). When her playing days were over, you could always find her in the stands supporting WMU Athletics and cheering on her grandkids or the kids of someone she knew. She loved camping, road trips, canoeing, kayaking, music, and participating in any activity or gathering where family, friends, kids or dogs were present. She also loved spotting and admiring wildlife, especially herons and sandhill cranes. Sis never passed up the opportunity to observe and marvel at the beautiful moon and always wanted to make sure her loved ones saw it too. Sis is survived by her children, Nancy (Doug) Nord of Kalamazoo and Dan (Kris) Dewitt of State College, PA; grandchildren, Lindsay (Craig) Cleary, Nate Heemstra and Jonathan Nord; great grandchildren, Bennett, Reese, and Quinn Cleary; sister, Mary Morell and brother and sister-in-law, George and Roslyn "Nip" Roegner; many special nieces, nephews, and close friends. Sis is preceded in death by two children, Bobby Dewitt and Jim Dewitt; brother-in-law, Clem Morell; ex-husband and friend, Howard Dewitt. Sis' legacy of giving lives on through her ultimate gift to medical education by donating her body to WMU – Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine. She requested there be no formal services so her family will come together at a future date to celebrate her exceptional life and share fond memories of their beloved mom, grandma, great grandma, sister, and aunt's long and well lived life. Memorial donations in tribute to Sis may be made to: Area 16 Kalamazoo/Calhoun Southwest Region of Michigan Special Olympics, 50505 Meadow Oak Trail, Mattawan, MI 49071; WMU – Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine Body Donation Program Fund; or any organization dear to your heart.