Sabah Dallo Futayyeh

Sabah Dallo Futayyeh, 86 years of age, passed away on April 7, 2023.  She was laid to rest at the Gardens of Mercy Cemetery in Ruston, LA under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road in Monroe, LA.  She was surrounded by her 2 devoted, loving daughters as she took her last breath, leaving them to join her cherished husband and family in heaven.

Sabah was born December 17, 1936 in Deir ez-Zor, Syria.  She received her degree in education and became a full-time schoolteacher.  In Syria, she met and married her beloved husband, Mohamed Amin Futayyeh.  In 1962, the couple immigrated to the United States so that her husband could complete his Masters and PhD degrees.  Deciding to stay in the USA, the family moved to Monroe, LA where Amin began work as a full-time professor at Northeast Louisiana University.  During these years and for many years to follow, the enormous sacrifices Sabah made will never be forgotten.  She left her entire family in Syria and came to a country where she knew no one, hoping only for a better and more secure future for her husband and 2 daughters.  With her endless strength, courage and work ethic, Sabah settled in Monroe and dedicated herself to caring and providing for her family.  She had such tenacity, her daughter giving her the nickname “MIA, Mom in Action” and Princess Warrior.

For all that Sabah did for her friends and community, she will always be remembered so fondly for her food and cooking.  She was an AMAZING cook. Homemade bread, stuffed squash, grape leaves and cabbage rolls so tightly wrapped; tabbouleh with the parsley finely chopped, kibbeh shaped perfectly, Sity’s soup…the woman was meticulous and only knew how to cook for an army!  She was delighted to cook for her friends and family.  It was Sabah’s way of showing her love, but also her way of sharing her Middle Eastern traditions and culture that she so dearly treasured.  Her food – the flavors, the smells – can never, ever be duplicated because those precious, loving hands and heart are gone.

Sabah is survived by her daughters, Dr. Susan Futayyeh Rhynes (Dr. V. Keith Rhynes) and Ms. Summer Futayyeh.  Her grandchildren, Summer and Erin Rhynes, lit up her life with such happiness and joy.  Both girls were likely the reason she fought so hard and for so long, wanting to watch them grow into the beautiful young women they are today.  She will forever be their Sity.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Walter Sartor, Dr. Khaled Shafiei, Ms. Livia Zalewski, Ms. Lisa Holliday Polozola and the staff of Clarity Hospice of Baton Rouge.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice in the memory of Sabah Futayyeh.