Sylvia E. DeJong, 85, went to be with the lord on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at her home in Dalton.
Sylvia was born at home on Tolbert Rd. in Wooster, OH on January 6, 1939, to Clifford and Hazel (Snure) Beegle, and married Ronald G. Miatke on September 6, 1959. He preceded her in death in 1971. On December 9, 2000, Sylvia married David P. DeJong, who preceded her in death in 2021.
Sylvia graduated from Waynedale High School in 1956, and attended Samaritan Hospital School of nursing, graduating in 1959. She served as a registered nurse in various settings, including Wooster Community Hospital. In 1996, Sylvia graduated from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Boston, MA, then returned to Wooster and filled the chaplain’s position at Wooster Community Hospital.
After her marriage to David DeJong, Sylvia served with him as a missionary both in the United States and in Africa. Right up to the end of her life, Sylvia continued to care for and minister to each and every person that she met.
Sylvia is survived by her children: Rhonda (Bruce) Arney, Ray Miatke, and Rex (Kim) Miatke. Step- children: Paul (Sandy) DeJong, Timothy (Lorie) DeJong, James (Kyleen) DeJong and Mark (Ruth) DeJong. Grandchildren Shawn Siciliano, Desiree (Chris) Remick, Lela Miatke, Rainy Miatke, Baxter (Devon) Miatke, Daicey Miatke, and Madison Miatke. Step grandchildren: Daniel DeJong, Heather Lawrence, Nathan DeJong, Heidi Gabler, Brian DeJong, Sheila Weller, Philip DeJong, Njema DeJong, Rehema DeJong, Ngina DeJong, Amber Jacobs, Veronica Reichman. 24 great grandchildren. Siblings: Cheryl (Ken) Wirt, and Gary (Nancy) Beegle.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 1, 2024, at 11 am at the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church 7605 Pleasant Home Rd. Sterling, Ohio 44276 with Pastor Jeff Dilyard officiating. The service will be livestreamed at www.phbchurch.com. Friends may call Thursday October 31 from 6-8 for a viewing at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Sylvia will be buried at Moreland Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of McIntire, Bradham, & Sleek Funeral Home 216 E. Larwill St. Wooster, OH 44691.
Memorial contributions may be made to LifeCare Hospice1900 Akron Rd, Wooster 44691; or Favor International, Inc. 3433 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. #356, Valrico, FL 33596.
Online condolences may be left at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
For the short time we knew her, she was a wonderful neighbor. We will miss her.
So sorry for you lose of your mother. She was a blessing to be w/ her at church and see her sweet spirit as she was encouraging all she came in contact. We have the assurance of being w/ her when the Lord removes us from this life! Jo. 14:1-3.
What a gracious lady! We appreciated the example she gave in service and devotion.
Sylvia truly showed me the true love of Jesus by accepting me and my boys in her home when I was looking for an apartment in NJ. We attended the same church and did lots of things together. She has been my best friend, prayer warrior and great counselor for 50+ years and when she started traveling to Africa I asked God to give me a double portion of Sylvia’s spirit. And He did by giving me plenty of opportunities to present Jesus to many people.
May God comfort you and give you peace. You are in my prayers.
Love in Jesus, Blanca & Harvey
Rhonda, Bruce & Shawn, we were so sorry to hear about the passing of Rhonda’s Mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Take comfort from the memories you made with her and know that one day you will see her again. God Bless! Scott & LeeAnn
Sylvia was a wonderful friend and a great mentor, a treasure and someone that I really looked forward to seeing each and every day. She will be greatly missed by everyone but especially by those of us ladies who had the privilege of studying the Bible with her on a regular basis. She had such great knowledge, was well organized in her studies and presented the information in such a way as to help all of us in our understanding and relationship with our Lord and Savior. Thank you for sharing her with us. We are so sorry for your loss but consoled knowing we will see her again one day soon.💕
We just watched your moms wonderful memorial service on line.
We are Roger and Darlene Westercamp and was at Bethel Baptist church when your dad was pastor there and then after she married David we would see them at Fellowship Bible church . Such a inspiration they were to all of us.
Cling to the memories and of course follow the Lod Jesus Christ the rest of your life’s. Love to you all!
Memories flooded back to me today as I watched Sylvia‘s Celebration of Life service streaming live. I am sorry I was unable to be there to meet those of Sylvia‘s family I do not know. Sylvia and I became friends when she was in high school then we lost track of each other for about 50 years. Imagine the surprise to both of us when we ran into each other at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church! We took up our old friendship and I found her to be a beacon of the love of Jesus to all of those around her. I will miss her.