Sally Jo Maring

Sally Jo Maring, age 89, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2025, at the Mayflower Memory Care Unit in Grinnell, Iowa. Her gentle spirit, kind heart, and warm presence were gifts to all who knew her. Beautiful both inside and out, Sally will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Sally was the heart of her home and family. She is lovingly remembered by her husband of 66 years, Gary Maring; her three children, Kim (Terry) Pickett, Pam (Owen) McClure, and Jennifer (Ben) Zeigler; her brother, Dave (Fonda) Benson; six grandchildren, Kelsey (Ryan) Brandt, Katie Hardeman (AJ Kriegel), Meredith McClure, Zachary McClure, Kylie Zeigler, and Sydney Zeigler; and five great-grandchildren, Beckett, Asher, Cohen, Hadley, and Maren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Zella Buck Benson, her sister Linda Thomas, and her granddaughter Matilyn McClure.

Born and raised on a farm south of Grinnell, Sally was one of three children. Her parents owned and operated the Benson Turkey Farm. She graduated from Grinnell High School in 1954 and married Gary Maring on April 24, 1959, beginning a loving partnership that lasted more than six decades.

Sally and Gary's marriage was a true testament to lifelong love, loyalty, and friendship. Their deep bond and quiet devotion to one another were an inspiration to everyone who knew them, a model of strength, respect, and unwavering commitment through all of life's seasons.

Sally co-owned Carasal Fabrics, worked as secretary at the United Church of Christ Congregational, and later served for 20 years as financial secretary at Mayflower Homes. A creative soul, she enjoyed sewing, cross-stitching, and collecting P. Buckley Moss prints. Her greatest joy came from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She adored them deeply and found happiness in every moment spent together. Her love for her family was boundless, and they brought her immeasurable happiness.

Private services will be held. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Sally's memory are invited to contribute to the Mayflower Human Needs Endowment Fund. Memorials can be mailed in care of Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.

Memories and messages of condolence may be shared with the family online at www.smithfh.com or sent by mail in care of Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.

The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to the compassionate staff at the Mayflower Memory Care Unit, whose kindness, love, and exceptional care were a blessing in Sally's final days.