Sally Lee Bone

Sally Bone Obituary
Sally Lee Dale Bone 1941-2024
Sally Lee Dale Bone's life was characterized by a love of her horses and dogs; of crafts and sewing; of music and performing; and of her family and friends. Sally passed away in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on May 28, 2024, just over one year after she lost her beloved husband of more than 60 years. She was born March 25, 1941, in Great Bend, Kansas, to Marion L. Dale and Cloris L. Harbaugh Dale. The family spent most of Sally's years in Southwest Kansas, primarily in Garden City, where she attended the local high school before her family moved to nearby Hugoton for her Senior year in 1959. An active and popular student, Sally played French horn in the band, sang in the choir, acted in school plays, helped produce the yearbook, and participated in the Kayette leadership organization – as well as being a frequent party hostess.
After high school, Sally studied music education at Wichita University (now Wichita State U.), where she was active in the Delta Gamma sorority, the acapella choir, and the Army Blues, the women's auxiliary unit to the ROTC cadet corps. Sally was also named "Staff Sweetheart" of the men's Pershing Rifle ROTC drill team, a title that took on a deeper meaning when she became engaged to ROTC cadet David McKay Bone. They were married on June 17, 1962, in Sally's hometown of Garden City.
Sally enthusiastically took on the role of Army Wife, as David began his nearly 23-year military career with his first post at Fort Riley, Kansas. Thereafter came many relocations for the young couple, with David quickly rising to the rank of Lt. Colonel and taking assignments in Pennsylvania, Texas, France, and Belgium. (David also served two tours in Vietnam.) Adjusting to the frequent moves was certainly taxing, but one of Sally's most memorable trials during the army years was the hectic forced withdrawal of U. S. military from France, as ordered by Charles de Gaulle in 1966. It fell on Sally, along with the other wives, to navigate the evacuation of the families – which was made more challenging with the Bones' newborn son in tow! That said, Sally enjoyed the chance to see the world, especially Europe. She was fluent in the French language, which was helpful during their time there and in vacation visits later on.
After Col. Bone honorably retired from service in 1984, the couple settled in scenic Woodland Park, Colorado. Their homestead had a spectacular view of Pikes Peak and a large stable/arena building where Sally raised horses and where their dogs could run free. Other hobbies also took up much of Sally's time. She performed with Sweet Adelines, an international women's singing group known for its lavish acapella productions, often touring with her award-winning local group. Sally leveraged her love of sewing – instilled early on by her mother – into the job of costume designer for her singing troupe. She often loaded up her panel truck with her many sewing and craft creations to sell at local craft shows, as well. Sally loved her family and enjoyed hosting clan gatherings at their home and serving as tour guide on vacations to Europe and elsewhere.
Sally is survived by her son Jeffrey McKay Bone (Mary Jane) of Colorado Springs; and granddaughter Madeline Bone & grandson Connor Bone, both of Colorado Springs. She is predeceased by her husband, her parents, and her younger sister, Donna Dale.
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