Michael “Mike” Deaterla, age 67, of Jackson, Ohio, passed away Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020 at his home. He was born Dec. 26, 1952 in Columbus, Ohio to the late Suzanne Rita Deaterla.
Mike was a 1971 graduate of Notre Dame High School in Portsmouth, Ohio. He graduated from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio Scripps College of Communications with a degree in Journalism. He then went on to obtain his master’s degree from Union Institute & University in Cincinnati, Ohio.
He worked as a reporter for The Portsmouth Daily Times as editor of The Community Common in Portsmouth and as English adjunct professor at Southern State Community College in Hillsboro.
He was an accomplished author, contributing to several publications. and he also wrote two books of his own; Remembering the Flood of 1937 and Special Needs: Adoptive Journey of Older Couple which was based on his own family’s personal experience with adoption.
Mike along with his wife, started the Marlee Factor Foundation in 2012. The goal of the foundation is to help families who have children with special needs or chronic illnesses.
Mike is survived by his wife, Sara (Robbins) Deaterla of Jackson, Ohio; children: Christopher Deaterla of Kentucky and Catherine Deaterla of Texas and Savannah Deaterla, Christian Deaterla, and Marlee Deaterla still at home; stepdaughters, Brittany (Adam) Womeldorf of Wellston, Ohio and Breanna Moore of Jackson, Ohio; two special little ones still at home; and three grandchildren: Camryn, Kinslee, and Chloe Womeldorf.
In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his stepfather, Lewis Storms.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home of Jackson. A Catholic service will follow at the funeral home at 10 a.m. with Father Nic Ventura officiating at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Fairmount Cemetery.
Per CDC and governor guidelines everyone is required to wear a mask and practice proper social distancing. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The Marlee Factor Foundation, 135 E. Huron St., Suite 105, Jackson, OH 45640 or online at www.marleefactorfoundation.org. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.lewisgillum.com