Obituary Detail


Dr. Donald E. Ary - 79
7/2/1930 - 4/2/2010

DeKalb, IL - Dr. Donald E. Ary 79, of DeKalb died Friday April 2, 2010 at Kishwaukee Community Hospital in DeKalb. He was born July 2, 1930 in Greene County, OH to Jesse and Nora (King) Ary. Donald was married to the former Sheila Littleboy on December 21, 1957 in Cambridge, England.

Donald met his wife while teaching Grade School for the Dept. of Defense in Cambridge, England; he then taught at Indiana University in Bloomington, IN; he finished his teaching career with 25 years of service at Northern Illinois University. Donald had been living in DeKalb since 1967 moving here from Bloomington, IN. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, and was a member of the Society of Friends (Quakers). He was also a member of the American Educational Research Association; he was a co-author of the textbook Introduction to Research in Education, and many other professional articles. Donald enjoyed his life long stamp collecting hobby, traveling the world, and took great delight in his grandchildren. He earned his Bachelor of Education from Wilmington College, Wilmington, OH, and his Master of Education from Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, and his Ph D in educational psychology from University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA.

Survivors include: wife: Sheila of DeKalb, son: Richard (Marie) Ary of Lisle, IL, daughters: Grace (Tony) Tucker of Island Lake, IL, Rachel (John) Oplt of Hoffman Estates, IL, grandchildren: Douglas and Alex Ary, Jeffrey and Nora Tucker, and Alyssa and Natalie Oplt. Preceded in death by: his parents, and sister: Wanda Middleton.

Celebration of Life visitation for Donald will be held on Friday April 9, 2010 at 6:30pm till 8:00pm in the Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home. Donald graciously donated his body to Northern Illinois University. In lieu of flower memorials may be made to the American Friends Service Committee 1501 Cherry St. Philadelphia, PA, 19102. To send an online condolence visit: www.ronanmoorefinch.com. Arrangements were entrusted to: Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 (815)758-3841.

Celebration of Life:
Friday April 9, 2010
6:30pm till 8:00pm
Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home


 

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Visitor Comments
I'm so sorry about the loss of Dr. Ary. He was truly a mentor to me and led me to a profession I love. I loved to have a chat with him whenever we could get together. If mom or I can do anything to help please let us know. Love, Debbie
Debbie
4/4/2010 2:51 PM
 
Rich and the entire Ary family, Please accept my condolences with the passing of Dr. Ary. It's been awhile but Dr. Ary was always a tolerable host when the gang dropped by the house back in the high school days. May you never run short of cherished memories of Donald.
Ivan Krpan
4/6/2010 11:22 AM
 
I remember Don's wry sense of humor and his quick wit, especially his ability to see a humerous side to practically everything.
Tom Roberts
4/6/2010 8:47 PM
 
Rachel and the Ary family, We are so sorry to learn of your loss. Dr and Mrs Ary always graciously allowed a group of annoying girls to invade thier home, resulting in many fond memories of that time.
Peyton Williams-Veal, David and Glenda Williams
4/10/2010 6:29 PM
 

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To serve our families with true Respect and Dignity.

Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home
310 Oak Street
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-758-3841