Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1932
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
Sally Niffenegger Obituary
Johnston - Sally I. Niffenegger passed away Monday, December 7, 2020 at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines. Sally was born on March 14, 1932 in Des Moines to Ralph and Anna Van Cleave. She was happily married to Robert W. Niffenegger for 56 years. He preceded her in death on October 23, 2010.
After retiring from Wells Fargo in 1995, Sally could not wait to sleep in and enjoy her free time with family and friends. She loved getting together with her many lifelong girlfriends to play dominos and just enjoy each other's company.
She is survived by her children, Jeff (Lynda) Niffenegger, Urbandale, IA, Kim Niffenegger, Urbandale, IA, and Jill (Tim) Scott, Ashland, NE; grandchildren, Lindsey (Mike), Lucas, Jordan (Marisa), Parker and Megan; great-granddaughter, Emerson; sister, Eleanor "Sussie" (Bernie) Brock, Rogers, AR; and sister-in-law, Pat Van Cleave, Atlantic, IA.
In addition to her husband, Sally was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Anna (Christensen) Van Cleave; her sister, Elizabeth "JoAnn" Trow; and her brother, Robert "Bob" Van Cleave.
Funeral service will be held Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. Due to COVID-19, the service will be for family only but will be livestreamed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com below Sally's obituary.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Taylor House, 3401 East Douglas Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50317 in memory of Sally Niffenegger.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sally Niffenegger
Sponsored by Hamilton's Funeral Home on Westown Parkway.
4 Entries
Scott Brock
December 16, 2020
I will miss my Aunt Sally very much. She never failed to make me smile and warm my heart. My fondest memories are of her laughter, her storytelling, and a great, self-deprecating sense of humor. I loved visiting her and adored her visits to Arkansas. She and Uncle Niff spoiled me and doted on me. I always ate when I was with Aunt Sally, no matter how long it took. As a young boy with a bird’s appetite, she would run a “front end loader” fork to keep me growing. She was a wonderful Aunt and a beautiful, caring person. I wish I could hug Jeff, Kim, and Jill and all of the kin today, but I will send my love instead.
Sue Mathison
December 15, 2020
Kim, such a beautiful picture of your Mom. I didn't get to meet Sally, but, as you know my son did and relayed to me what a sweet person she was. You & your family have our sympathy.
Julie Van Gundy
December 12, 2020
Oh my gosh I cannot believe that Aunt Sally is gone. It is also sad that we are unable to gather in her honor at this time, because she was the queen of gathering all of us together. It was almost magical the way she could pull together a gathering...making every visit an event. I think it involves homemade chocolate chip cookies from the freezer and chex mix...but after that it is more of a feeling than a food. Especially after mom and dad died, she was always ready to throw something together to make us feel like we were coming home. Ryan has a really great remembrance of staying with her while he was doing law enforcement training at camp dodge. He wasnt sure where that was, so late at night they jumped into the El Camino in their pajamas and drove (very fast) to find it. When "Great" died Sally and Niff made sure we could gather at their place to hang out and tell stories. I plan to carry her memory in my heart, remember to pull people together at every opportunity, always be there for the people who need me, and keep a frozen chocolate cookies in the freezer. Love to my cousins!
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in Sally Niffenegger's name
Memorial Events
for Sally Niffenegger
Funeral services provided by:
Hamilton's Funeral Home on Westown Parkway3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266
How to support Sally's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Sally Niffenegger's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
