Sarah Louise Diles, 93, of Tipp City, passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at her home in Tipp City. She was born on August 23, 1932, in Greenup County, KY, a daughter of the late James Matthew and Emma Potter Gillum.
Sarah married Paul Raymond Diles in Portsmouth on June 3, 1950, and the two enjoyed many wonderful years together, hosting their family for special holidays and events. The couple had been married for 70 years at the time of Paul’s passing on January 22, 2021.
Sarah graduated from South Webster High School in 1950, worked for Ohio Bell as a switchboard operator for 15 years, and then managed the office at LaserMike with Paul until they sold the business. She later enjoyed birdwatching and spending even more time with her family, to whom she and Paul were very generous.
Surviving are four siblings, Bonna Yates of Katy, TX, Elsie (Kenny) Edington of Terre Haute, IN, Jack Matthew (Lena) Gillum of Milton, FL; and Linda Sue Bentley, with whom she made her home; and many beloved nieces, nephews and their families.
Sarah was also preceded in death by three sisters, Vivian Barbara Baker, Doris Faye Stuthers, and Patricia “Pat” Alline Schaffer; and a special friend who was like a son, Steve Poffenbarger
Special thanks are extended to Tim Bentley, Sarah’s caregiver, who provided compassionate care to Sarah in her final month.
Funeral services will be held at 2 P.M. on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from noon until the funeral hour.
Interment will be in Memorial Burial Park at 11 A.M. on Monday, February 16, 2026.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to her special caregiver, Tim Bentley, 4596 North Ridge Dr., Batavia, OH 45103, and Hospice of Miami County, 3230 North County 25A, Troy, OH 45371.
