Sarah W. ‘Sally’ Bricker

COLUMBIANA – Sarah W. “Sally” Bricker, 98, of Columbiana passed away peacefully July 27, 2025 at her home with her family at her side.

Sally was born September 19, 1926 in Detroit, MI, a daughter of the late Edmund and Cynthia Hilts Wood and lived in the area most of her life.

She was a graduate of the former Youngstown College with a degree in laboratory technology and later from Youngstown State University with a degree in Music. Sally worked as a Lab Technician for the late Dr. Nathan D. Belinky, M.D. in Youngstown for several years.

She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Columbiana and the church choir which she also directed for 18 years. She was instrumental in providing the music for the church’s Kids Club programs for many years. She still is an active member of the Salem Music Study Club and formerly the Columbiana Music Club, Salem Oratorial Guild, Kent State Choir, and while at the Dana School of Music was selected to sing in the Dana Chorale which toured Europe for three weeks performing in several countries. She was a member of the CULM Ladies of Columbiana and sang in “The Sound of Music” at the Youngstown Playhouse playing Mother Abbess and also at the Salem Community Theater where she also played Golda in “Fiddler On The Roof”. Sally was also known in the community for singing in area nursing homes as well as singing “O Holy Night” every Christmas Eve at her church, including this past year. She served as a volunteer for the Columbiana EMS, first as an EMT and later as one of the first two Paramedics as well. Sally founded Love in Action in Columbiana which led to her being named a Citizen of the Year and was also honored as WSOM’s Person With A Heart of Gold for her volunteer efforts.

Her husband, Leland “Lee” E. Bricker, whom she married on July 15, 1949, preceded her in death on July 17, 2010.

Sally is survived by her son, Michael (Peggy) Bricker of Trinidad, TX; four daughters, Patricia (Ray) Morelli of Leetonia, Karen (Danny) Culp of Salem, Susan (Jeff) Berger of Columbiana and Leslie (Jeff) Schreiber of Columbiana; 15 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great-grandchildren, a daughter-in-law, Sue Bricker and a nephew David Bricker. At age 96, Sally was able to locate her birth family, including a first cousin, Judy Morey and other special cousins, Cheryl Fitzgerald and Evie Price.

Sally was also preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey Bricker and a daughter-in-law, Karen Sue Bricker.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 4, 2025 at the First United Methodist Church of Columbiana, with Pastor Cyndi Midlick officiating. Interment will follow in the Columbiana Cemetery. Friends will be received from 5-9 p.m. Sunday, August 3, 2025 at the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana and at the church one hour prior to the services on Monday. Contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Columbiana or The Way Station, Columbiana.

The family would like to thank Sally’s nurse, Mindy Werner and good friend, Bonnie Brown, who both helped with her care and became a part of the family. Family and friends may view this obituary, sign the online guest book and send condolences to the family at www.familycareservices.com.

7/31/25