Sally Ann Deck

Remembered for her bright and positive outlook, her ability to listen, her sincere interest in others, and her wonderful sense of fun. As a Dental Hygienist, she had a remarkable career in dental education, administration and licensure regulation.

She was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan to Raymond Floyd and Frances Mildred (Sally) Deck. Sally graduated from Ypsilanti High School in 1963 and attended the University of Michigan, where she obtained her bachelor degree in dental hygiene in 1967 and an advanced degree in dental hygiene in 1969. She was chair of Lansing Community College Department of Dental Careers from 1973 until her retirement in 1998. She continued to work for the North East Regional Board of Examiners to help proctor licensure exams and shape new board guidelines.

During her career, Sally was very active in the Michigan and National American Dental Hygienists Association. In 1984 she was honored with the U of M Outstanding Alumnae Award. In 1990, The Michigan State Senate issued a Concurrent Resolution in her name. She was the first hygienist to be elected to the Michigan Board of Dentistry in 1986 and later became the chairwoman. She is considered a legend of the profession of Dental Hygiene.

Sally was passionate about the University of Michigan and held season football tickets in the Big House for over 50 years, rarely missing a home game. She shared this Go Blue! enthusiasm with friends and family. She took all the people she loved, including her nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephew, to many games. She loved gardening and growing the perfect rose. She also enjoyed the comradery of a golf or bowling league as well as a great night of bingo or cards. She spent many summers traveling with family in her RV traveling to places like Alaska and Brooks Lake, WY. She liked a good BBQ and setting up the ice cream maker at family outings. Sally had a special place in her heart for a little black dog as a constant loving copilot in life. She was also known to dress up as Santa Claus or as Frosty to the delight of her young nieces and nephews.

Sally’s memory and life is being mourned by her two brothers, Larry Deck and wife Nancy of Plymouth, MI and Dr. Jerry C. Deck and wife Alice of Grawn, MI, formerly Okemos; nieces, Dr. Sarah Deck Davis and Deveny Ann Deck Sebastien; nephew, Andrew C. Deck; and 6 grandnieces and nephews whom she has loved. She is preceded in death by her parents, Raymond Floyd and Frances Mildred Deck.

Sally is remembered as a Sister, a friend, “Aunt Sally”, colleague, mentor, leader and dental educating pioneer.

A memorial service is to be announced at a later date.

Contributions may be made to University of Michigan School of Dentistry, School of Dental Hygiene, Dr. Dorothy Hard Legacy Professorship Fund, #701773.

Fond memories and expressions to the family can be made below.