Deanna Sue “Sissy” Utterback (Garman) passed away March 26, 2023, at the age of 78 in Tucson, Arizona. Born Oct 24 1944 in Olney, Illinois to Dallas and Mildred Garman, she loved her childhood in the Fairfield area. High school cheerleader, swim team and Homecoming Court, Sissy always said she had the best parents and best childhood. Her husband, Bobby, remembers meeting Sissy when she was in grade 7 and he in 8 while attending Center Street School. Their break-up-and-back-together adventures were memories they carried with them always. They would tease, laugh and smile when retelling the “he wouldn’t let others boys talk to me.” Sissy loved driving her father’s Model T and old Jeep up and down Main Street. From hamburgers and root beers at Dog n Suds to country drives out to Golden Gate and the Bottoms and many, many spins around the roller rink, Sissy and Bobby wrote the beginnings of a life-long love story.
Sissy graduated from Fairfield High School in 1962, marrying Robert “Bobby” Utterback later that fall. They enjoyed the opportunities the Air Force provided; moving from Nebraska to Florida, to Illinois, back to Florida, back to Illinois, back to Florida, and eventually to Alaska, all the while accompanying the F4 fighter-jets. While stationed in Nebraska she gave birth to their first child Robin in 1963. When Bobby was called overseas, Sissy returned to Fairfield and gave birth to their daughter Rhonda in 1965. While stationed in Florida, Sissy gave birth to their son Robert “Bobby D” in 1971.
The love story of Sissy and Bobby is an integral part of who Sissy was. They loved each other without question, held hands every step they took, hugged and kissed daily and the flirting was always there. Not much could stop or bend to Bobby Utterback’s will, unless it was Sissy saying “Now Bobby, do you think we could…” Whatever it was, Bobby put Sissy first and she him.
When the Air Force took Bobby overseas, Sissy managed roller rinks and swimming pools where she taught so many children to roller skate and swim. To the kids she was the Girl Scout Troop Leader, Cub Scout Pack Leader, Swim Instructor and Cheerleading Coach. In October 1977, she and Bobby outfitted a 1973 Chevrolet Station Wagon pulling a 15ft Shasta Trailer and drove from Florida to Alaska with 3 kids, a dog, and cooler full of Blue Bell Bologna and bread.
In Alaska, Sissy began working first with Yukon Office Supply, followed later by NBI’s the Office Place, and finally Northern Office Supply. During her career she quickly became most clients’ favorite point of contact and rose through the ranks. Sissy thoroughly enjoyed meeting with her clients, many who became life-long friends. Retiring to Tucson in 2004, she and Bobby continued their love story with many long drives, just to see where the road would take them. They never tired of speaking to each other, and even when retelling the same story again and again they found new twists and turns.
Sissy and Bobby recently celebrated in their 60th wedding anniversary in Hawaii surrounded by many of their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Sissy always loved the beach where the sound of the surf brought her so much joy and peace.
Sissy loved her family without compare. She loved hearing from each of her kids, grandkids and seeing photos of the great grandkids. Her love of God was evident in everything she did. She leaned heavily on her faith, not only when faced with tragedy, illness or sadness, but also giving Him all the praise and all the glory for her many blessings. It is said, the room always brightened when Sissy walked in. She was our angel walking among us, who has now returned to heaven.
Sissy is survived by husband Bob, children Robin Curtis, Rhonda (Jennifer) Prowell-Kitter, Bob (Johanna) Utterback, grandchildren, Mitchell (Shalem) Kitter, Megan Kitter, Sophia Utterback and Austen Utterback, great grandchildren Dayton Prowell-Kitter and Porter Kitter, sisters Donna Savage and Crystal (Kent) Baker, sister in laws Laura Gottemoller, Linda (Roger) Starks, Donna (Jim) Barberis and many nieces and nephews. Sissy was preceded in death by her parents Dallas and Mildred Garman and her sister Sharon Garrison.
Funeral Services will be at 1PM on Monday April 3, 2023 at Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home with burial in Maple Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11AM until the time of service at the funeral home. All are welcome to join the family for a light lunch and beverages at the Holiness Rescue Mission
following the services. While Sissy loved flowers, should you wish, in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the American Diabetes Association.
Condolences to the family may be left at www.johnsonvaughn.com
Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home is in charge of all the arrangements.