Sally Menges

MENGES, Sally West, died peacefully on Saturday, June 3, 2017, at the age of 85. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Hermann "Bud" Menges, Jr., and son Fritz L. Menges. She is survived by her children, Katherine, William, Peter (Elizabeth Finegan), David (Kimberly O'Gorman), and John; and her grandchildren, Andrew, Emily, Kyle, Jake, Erin, Carly, Bobby, Sean, Daniel, and Cara. She was a graduate of Wellesley College, and the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She was a talented 7th grade English teacher for a number of years before turning her attention to raising her young children.

Family was everything to Sally. Above all, she was a devoted wife, mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother. She took special pleasure in watching her children and grandchildren participate in their assorted sports and activities, and she showed genuine interest in their ongoing exploits. Sally loved to travel, and family trips, especially to the mountains of West Virginia or Lake George, New York, were of particular delight to her. Trips alone with Bud or together with their friends were frequent and meaningful to her.

Sally was very active within the community. Born and bred in Cleveland, she loved the cultural vitality that the city has to offer, and she expressed that love by giving generously with her time to a number of charitable organizations. Arts education was a particular passion of hers because it blended together Sally's profound love for music with her devotion to education. She was also very active within the local Alcoholics Anonymous community for over 30 years, serving as a role-model, sponsor, and mentor to countless people.

Sally was deeply spiritual. Plymouth Church of Shaker Heights was a uniquely special place to her, where she and Bud were married, where her children were baptized, and where she worshipped throughout the better part of her life.

Selfless, eternally hopeful, and positive, Sally was a joy to be with. Her warm, calm, and smiling presence will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to the Center for Arts-Inspired Learning, 10917 Magnolia Drive, Cleveland, OH 44106; The Music Settlement, 11125 Magnolia Drive, Cleveland, OH 44106, or Plymouth Church of Shaker Heights, 2860 Coventry Road, Shaker Heights, OH 44120 where a Funeral Service will be held on Friday, June 9 at 1:00 PM. FRIENDS MAY CALL AT BROWN-FORWARD FUNERAL HOME, 17022 CHAGRIN BLVD., SHAKER HTS., OH 44120 ON THURSDAY, JUNE 8 FROM 6:00-8:00 PM.