Sarah Doepel's Obituary
Sarah Doepel, 89, of Miamisburg, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 28, 2025, at the Courtyard at Centerville.
Born on November 11, 1936, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Sarah was the daughter of Annie and Charles Baxter. She grew up in Belfast, where she completed her schooling. In her young adult years, she moved to London and met Joe Doepel, a U.S. Air Force serviceman who would become the love of her life. After marrying, they moved with the Air Force to locations in Europe and the United States, eventually making their home in Miamisburg. Sarah devoted herself to being a homemaker, raising her children, and caring for her family with deep love and dedication.
Joe preceded her in death in 2020, after 64 wonderful years of marriage.
Sarah found joy in knitting and sewing, often creating treasured items for her family that she later passed down to her grandchildren. She loved reading, especially to her grandchildren when they were young and sharing vivid stories of her childhood in Ireland. She often recounted her experiences during World War II, including being evacuated from Belfast to a church in the countryside. These heartfelt memories became a cherished part of her family’s heritage and kept her beloved homeland alive in their hearts. Her pride in her Irish roots never wavered. She returned to Northern Ireland many times to visit family, and enjoy her favorite treat, authentic fish and chips.
Sarah was known for her joyful, funny, and playful spirit, and above all, her devotion to family. She was always beautifully dressed, and kept an elegant home. She adored her dogs, treasured her fine china and Waterford crystal from Ireland, and lived with a deep appreciation for tradition and beauty.
Sarah will be lovingly remembered for her Irish pride, her warm and captivating stories, the pristine and welcoming home she created, and the boundless joy and love she brought to her family.
Sarah was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joe; her brothers Sammy, Charlie, and Davey Baxter; and her sister Margaret Baxter. She is survived by her daughters, Sande (Tony) Parrott and Angi (Sol) Gomez; her son, Allen Doepel (Jill Gibbs-Doepel); seven grandchildren—Jesse (Michelle) Parrott, Mark (Angel) Parrott, Michael (Morgan) Gomez, Stephanie Gomez (Corey Smith), Alexis Gomez, Tisha Doepel, and Kent (Chelsea) Doepel; and sixteen great-grandchildren—Cohen, Lucas, Abigail, Livia, Julia, Liam, Riley, Joey, Solo, Lincoln, Mia, Walker, Easton, Xander, Xavien, and Cade; her brother, Tommy Baxter; her sister, Lilly Paul; as well as extended family both in the United States, New Zealand and Northern Ireland.
A graveside service will be held at 9:00 AM on Monday, December 8, at Dayton National Cemetery. Conner & Koch Funeral Home of Bellbrook is serving the family. If desired, contributions may be made to Day City Hospice. Online condolences may be left for the family at https://www.connerandkoch.com.
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