Sara Sue Schiff  DeMott

LHS '64

November 9, 1945 - October 20, 2024

In loving memory of Sara Sue DeMott, born November 9, 1945, in Sidney, Ohio, to Emma and Elmer Schiff, passed peacefully on October 20, 2024, in Mesa, Arizona, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and cherished memories. Sara was preceded in death by her brother, James Schiff.

Sara was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, and cherished sister. Through 55 blessed years with Vince, she embodied partnership and love. She shared an unbreakable bond with her identical twin sister, Sandra, one that brought a lifetime of laughter, friendship, and unforgettable memories for both Sara and Sandy Sue. As a mother to Michael and Dyan, she was a source of strength and warmth, guiding them with grace. Her children cherish the close relationships they had with their mother, recognizing it as one of life's greatest gifts. As Grandma to Cassara and Brooke, she cherished every moment, from making silly videos to creating fun family traditions. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she loved most.

A dedicated parishioner of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Tempe for over 40 years, Sara served her community with grace and commitment—in many positions over the years as a Eucharistic minister, choir member, prayer shawl ministry, lector, and volunteer money counter. Her faith was her guiding light, and she embraced her parish family wholeheartedly.

Sara graduated from the University Hospital School of Nursing in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1967. A lifelong caregiver, she dedicated over 40 years to nursing, finishing her career in hospice care. For Sara, nursing was more than a profession; it was an extension of her caring spirit.

Her family remembers her as the vibrant heart of their lives. She brought joy to everyone she met and left an enduring impact through her warmth and generosity. Sara's presence was a gift, and her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

"BOYS IN UNIFORM" 

Jim McBride

LHS '65

"BOYS IN UNIFORM" IS A SONG I CO-WROTE TO HONOR OUR VETERANS. IT IS CURRENTLY ON AN ALBUM BY A GUY NAMED ALEX MILLER. SEVERAL LIVE VERSIONS ARE ON YOU TUBE AND OTHER PLATFORMS. I WOULD BE FOREVER GRATEFUL IF YOU WOULD POST THIS ON THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE TRAVELLOR. 

The Video Tribute to the veteran classmates of Lee High School

The Wayback Machine

"Universal Soldier" is a song written by singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie. The first released recording was a single by The Highwaymen, released in September 1963. The song was also released on Sainte-Marie's debut album It's My Way!, released in April 1964. "Universal Soldier" was not an immediate popular hit at the time of its release, but it did garner attention within the contemporary folk music community. It became a hit a year later when Donovan covered it, as did Glen Campbell. Sainte-Marie said of the song: "I wrote 'Universal Soldier' in the basement of The Purple Onion coffee house in Toronto in the early sixties. It's about individual responsibility for war and how the old feudal thinking kills us all." The idea was based on that politicians, with power over the military, in democratic states are elected by the people.

Sainte-Marie has said she approached writing the song from the perspective of a student writing an essay for a professor who didn't see eye-to-eye with her perspective, hoping to present him with a different point of view.

By 1965, the song had caught the attention of budding folk singer Donovan, who recorded it using a similar arrangement to Buffy Sainte-Marie's original recording. Donovan's US release of "Universal Soldier" became a hit, ultimately reaching No. 53 on the Billboard charts and No. 21 in Canada, co-charting with Glen Campbell's version.

I hope everyone gets to experience something special on Veteran's Day this year. Sue and I were guests at a local church dinner put on for veterans, and on Monday we will attend the local Veteran's Remembrance ceremony.

A special thanks goes out to Jim McBride for sharing his Veteran's Day song with all of us. I found it very moving. 

Last Week's Questions, Answers, And Comments

Darla Steinberg, LHS ‘66, "I would catch the bus on Maysville Rd. to go downtown to the movie. My favorite snack was a paper cone of hot Spanish peanuts fried in oil purchased next door at I believe it was Grants…or Walgreens… Can’t remember which store but I DO remember those delicious peanuts!"

Barbara Hood Diamond, LHS '66, "As always, thank you for keeping the memories alive after all these years.  The video of the dancing concession treats really brought back memories since my sister and I used our allowance to go downtown for a movie just about every week. I tried to fill out the response form but did not see a way to submit my comment. Feel free to publish it. Here it is: 

On Saturdays my sister, Susan, and I would catch the bus to go downtown to see a movie. Usually it was some horror film like Bucket of Blood. I always liked getting a Zero candy bar at the refreshment stand. Even if we were late for the movie we would just stay to watch the beginning when it restarted. Afterward we would get a cherry smash at Grants and check out the lipsticks (which we weren’t allowed to wear) at Woolworths then catch the bus home having spend most of our allowance.

I hope you are doing well. Thanks again for the Wayback Machine."