09/26/2025
Mistie Dawn (Savage) McGuire, age 57, passed away peacefully at her home in Millfield on Sep 24th after a 5 year battle with metastatic colorectal cancer. By her side throughout this lengthy fight to the very end was her husband Todd who she affectionately referred to as her Honey Baby Sugar Plum.
Mistie is survived by her husband of 36 years Todd, daughters Brytton (Brett) Jarrett of Barboursville, WV, Emersynn McGuire of Athens, and D’Laynee McGuire of Millfield, her mother Ruth Savage of Millfield, and sister Christy (Roger) Fields of Hamilton, Ohio, her loyal puppy Louis V and her kitty cat Princess Mabel. Mistie was preceded in death by her father, Frederick “Scrap” Savage of Millfield.
Mistie worked from home as a Domestic Engineer (stay-at-home-mom) raising 3 beautiful daughters that she shamelessly cherished while maintaining her household and making it a home. She did that in many places like the Philippines, New Mexico and Washington as she traveled the world with Todd. She loved hard, hugged tightly, and offered up to everyone her signature smile that warmed hearts and lit up rooms. It is said that, like her father Scrap, she never met a stranger. A kind and giving soul, Mistie would pack extra food in her girls’ lunches or send along some extra cash for those kids at Chauncey Elementary that couldn’t bring or afford their own food. Mistie was happy to help anyone in need, operating in the background, never wanting or accepting praise or applause. Modest and humble, she would refer to herself as just a “nobody” from Ohio. But by all accounts, she was well-known with many, many friends.
She moved out of the shadows and into the spotlight of social media a year into her cancer fight. Her kind words and expressions of love and empathy toward a particular celebrity blossomed into a deep, loving, and ever-lasting relationship with Paulina Porizkova, author, actor and fashion model. Paulina introduced Mistie and her story to a wealth of followers on Instagram where she quickly became a celebrity in her own right. Mistie made it a point to share both her life-saving successes and heartbreaking setbacks fighting Stage 4 cancer, no matter how raw or personal they were. And people loved her for her openness, honesty and genuine nature. Followers worldwide would routinely engage online with Mistie each time she posted an update that typically concluded with her PSA, “Get your colonoscopy, folks”. More close friendships materialized which included many celebrities and well-known figures, like writer and producer Jeff Greenstein, Paulina’s fiancé, who Mistie unabashedly adored.
Endless expressions of love and support from so many people, both locally and quite frankly, all over the world, resulted in a multitude of beautiful memories, adventures and experiences that would help sustain and energize Mistie throughout her journey. She was brave, courageous, and classy, always well-dressed whenever she attended her medical appointments. Her tenacity and fortitude, peppered with a healthy dose of gallows humor, made her quite popular with everyone, including the medical staff, bringing much needed levity to an otherwise sad and hopeless environment.
Mistie’s relationship with Paulina garnered the attention of a writer from the Washington Post who wrote a beautiful article about their extraordinary relationship in February 2025. Mistie was forced to admit that the self-proclaimed “nobody from Ohio” certainly was somebody to everybody she touched. She has inspired countless people from all walks of life with her optimism, kindness, love, hope and humor. She has saved many lives.
Her passing may make us feel as if the world is a darker place, “butt” Mistie shared her unique light with so many people that our world is exponentially brighter thanks to her, so long that we follow her example and continue to share that light with others. So, what would Mistie do (WWMD)? She would love hard and unconditionally, hug you like she meant it, hope beyond hope, say something wildly inappropriate, and show kindness and empathy to strangers, all with that beautiful, beaming smile. Let’s go out and do that.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, Sep 28, from 2:00-4:00 pm and 6:00-8:00 pm at The Bishopville Church of Christ, 6555 State Route 78, Glouster, Ohio 45732. In accordance with Mistie’s wishes, she will be cremated the following day. Arrangements have been entrusted to Morrison Funeral Chapel, Glouster-Bishopville. A message of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting the tribute wall at www.morrisonfc.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making contributions to any of the following in Mistie’s name:
• Reputable Cancer research and treatment groups
• Your local hospice facility
• Your local animal shelter/rescue organizations
• Your local PBS/NPR affiliates
