Sally Lou Holdsworth

Sally Lou (West) Holdsworth, 83, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving and devoted husband, children, grandchildren, and family. Her final days were exactly as she wanted them to be—a house filled with laughter, stories, games, jokes, and the joyful noise of the family she loved so deeply.

Born on June 14, 1943, in Dover, Sally was the daughter of the late Harold Eugene West and Almeda (Boar) West. She graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 1961 and married her high school sweetheart, Jerry Allen Holdsworth, on December 2, 1962. Together they celebrated 63½ wonderful years of marriage, building a life centered on love, family, and unwavering devotion to one another.

Sally found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved cooking and baking for those she loved, crocheting, cross-stitching, and spending time with her lifelong friends, Carol Riker and Nelda Sedares. She and Jerry enjoyed putting puzzles together and playing games, and she especially loved being able to "kick his butt" at just about any game they played.

Her greatest happiness, however, came from her family. Nothing made her smile more than having her home filled with the laughter, banter, stories, and love of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family. She cherished every gathering and created countless memories in her home.

Sally was one of the founding families of the B&A Primitive Weapons Club in Roswell, where she faithfully served as treasurer for many years. She also enjoyed primitive camping with family and friends. Professionally, Sally dedicated her career to the Ohio State Data Center in New Philadelphia, where she worked from the day the facility opened until it closed.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Jerry Allen Holdsworth; her children, Darin (Valerie) Holdsworth, Shane (Sherry) Holdsworth, and Kirsti "Cricket" (Jay Wright) Popp; her grandchildren, Kristen (Drew) Hicks, Kaylee (Matthew) Piacente, Trevor (Meredith) Holdsworth, Shane (Kaitlyn Matthus) Holdsworth, Emily Holdsworth, Oliveia (Derek Hostetlar) Popp, and Ashleigh (Corey) Bridgman; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Wyatt Hicks, Addison Hicks, Nicholas Piacente, Callianne Piacente, Chloe Holdsworth, Jace Holdsworth, Gentry Bridgman, Lorettamae Lou Bridgman and Charlotte Holdsworth.

She is also survived by her siblings, Olin (Donna) Rippeth, Pam Patacca, and Robin Singer; along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of whom held a special place in her heart.

In addition to her parents, Sally was preceded in death by her beloved son, Shawn Allen Holdsworth; her sister, Sue Gray; and her great-granddaughter, Josie Holdsworth.

Sally's legacy is one of unconditional love, quiet strength, generosity, laughter, and family. She will be remembered for the warmth of her home, the meals she lovingly prepared, the gifts she made with her hands, the adventures she shared, and the countless lives she touched with her kindness. Though she will be deeply missed, the love she gave so freely will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

A Celebration of Life for Sally will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia on Thursday, July 23, 2026 from 4 to 7 p.m. A private burial will be held at a later date in East Avenue Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Sally’s memory may be directed to The Care Team – Hospice Care, 238 Front Ave SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.