Sally Neely

07/16/1937 - 06/10/2024

Sally Caroline (Andrews) Neely flew with the angels to make beautiful music in heaven on her mother's birthday, June 10, 2024. She left her mark on this world and will be missed by all who knew her. She knew God had a plan for her life, and she lived life to the fullest honoring him.

Sally was born in Decatur, IL, the second of three children to the late Pete and Esther Andrews. Although her given name was Sarah, she was fondly referred to as Sally all her life. Her father also called her "Toone" as a nickname because she loved music so much. Sally graduated from Decatur High School and attended Millikin University. She met her husband, Phil Neely, at a college sorority function, and they were married in 1957. They had three children, Jill, Matt, and Lois, who all became United States Marines.

After moving to Oregon in 1967, Sally dedicated herself to being a devoted and supportive mother and wife, but also made time to serve her local community. She was a swim instructor with the Greater Albany School District and was instrumental in forming the park district to maintain and manage the Jefferson community swimming pool. She was elected Board Chairman of the Jefferson Park District and created a ballot measure for a levy to save the Jefferson pool. Sally's love of travel and people also led her to having an active role in the American Field Service (AFS). She was one of the original founders of AFS in Jefferson and served in many positions. Her family hosted Uli from Austria for 11 months, and Sally was "Mom" to many other AFS students over the years. She had an adventurous spirit and was able to travel to Japan, Europe, Mexico, and throughout the United States, including two trips to Hawaii.

Sally's mastery of crafting began at a young age, doing sewing and needlework projects with her mother. She created many beautiful heirloom quilts, and later in her retirement became well known for her handmade greeting cards. Sally believed that music was life, and it truly made her heart sing. She was a wonderful pianist and excelled at playing as a soloist and an accompanist. She played for all kinds of audiences: family gatherings, Christmas sing-a-longs with friends, and services at Westminster Presbyterian Church, where she was a lifelong member. In 1981, Sally expanded her musical skills and became an official Ding-a-Ling; she loved playing in the church hand bell choir.

Sally fiercely loved her family and friends; they were her world. Every morning, she checked Facebook to see if there were any new photos of her great-grandchildren. She loved bringing people together and keeping them connected. She was the Facebook host for her high school class page, which connected the Decatur High School Class of 1955. She had a passion for genealogy and traced her family history back several generations.

Sally was a very determined and tough lady. At the age of 50, she graduated from Western Oregon State University with a B.A. in Business, earning her degree while teaching piano lessons as her only source of income. She went on to become the Benefits Specialist with Salem Hospital (now Salem Health), where she helped employees manage their insurance and retirement plan benefits. Her guidance was so valued that even after she retired in 2003, employees would still seek out her expertise.

Sally loved to ride her bicycle in the country, enjoying the beautiful Willamette Valley scenery. Never one to let an obstacle stop her progress, Sally completed her bike ride even after being bitten by a dog along her route one afternoon. Afterwards, she was given an "Honorary US Marine" certificate by some special friends. When she had to retire her cycling gear, she continued to relish all her favorite things: admiring her dogwood tree and the rest of her garden, solving Sudoku puzzles, savoring fish and chips and fresh local strawberries, and watching the waves from Overleaf Lodge in Yachats on peaceful getaways with her daughter and always with a diet Dr Pepper in her hand. Sally was a voracious reader and made regular trips to her favorite used bookstore, Reader's Guide. She kept a list of all the books she had read, cataloging over 3,300 titles.

Sally was an eternal optimist who found beauty and gratitude in every day, facing life's challenges with grit, grace and sense of humor. She was predeceased by her husband Phil, two brothers Phil and Jim, and son Matt. She is survived by her daughters Jill and Lois, two grandchildren Bradley and Brittany, and four great-grandchildren, who all made her very proud. She is also survived by eleven nieces and nephews, two sisters-in-law, and one daughter-in-law.

Sally's love and respect for Veterans is well known, as there are many in her family. Her three children are Marines, her older brother and nephew were in the Air Force, and her husband and younger brother were in the Navy. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to Courtney Place, the brand-new Veterans housing in Salem, OR.

Courtney Place, Veteran's housing, Salem, OR

https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E359659&id=2&cfifid=6

Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Decatur, IL with a private ceremony. A Celebration of Life will be held later this summer at the Westminster Presbyterian church in Salem, OR.