Jeannette Porter

Jeannette “Sally” Porter, 82, passed away August 14, 2025 at EveryStep Kavanagh House.

Jeannette was born April 15, 1943 to Donald and Maxine Smith in Marshalltown, Iowa. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1961. Jeannette was a great cook. She loved to bake cookies and desserts. She spent her free time crocheting, completing puzzles, reading, and spending time with her family.

For over 30 years, Jeannette worked for Northwestern Bell (Qwest), and ended up retiring with them. Later in life, she joined the Regal Red Divas, a part of the Red Hat Society.

Jeannette is survived by her children, Merrily Ellifritt, Dawn Cox, and Lee Roy Porter, Jr.; siblings, Sandy Norris and Donna Valarino; son-in-law, Aaron Deitrick; grandchildren, Michael (Maddie Pritchard) Ellifritt, Shawn (Devon Calderon) Ellifritt, Danielle (Ryan Steinkuehler) Deitrick, Gary (Kayla Mason) Trimble, Jr., Jennifer McDole Ellifritt, Dustin (Jessica) Deitrick, Matthew Formaro, Jr., Marissa Formaro, Chris (Ashley) Haines, and Casey Haines; great-grandchildren, Lillie, Drake, Natalya, Kadence, Kenslee, Kaislyn, Gary III, Kaysley, Kopelyn, Joel, Jackson, Saylor, Camden, Brylynn, Carson, and Kylie.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Virginia “Ginger” Deitrick; best friend in life, Richard Alexander; and former husband, Lee Roy Porter, Sr.

The family will greet friends Tuesday, August 19, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at the funeral home. Jeannette will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in honor of Jeannette or to EveryStep Kavanagh House.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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