Sallie Keyser

1956 - 2025

Sallie Stanton Keyser passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025, after a courageous and prolonged battle with breast cancer. Surrounded by the love of her family, she was finally able to rest.
Born on November 20, 1956, in Bakersfield, California, Sallie was a young woman of deep faith, resilience, and creativity. She was the daughter of Marvin and Martha Stanton and grew up with a passion for art and design. Sallie began her college education at Bakersfield College before transferring to California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Graphic Communication - and met the love of her life, Larry Keyser. They were married for 42 years and built a beautiful life together.
Sallie and Larry raised three children - daughters Lauren Solis, Haley Smith, and son Nate - and she delighted in her role as a grandmother to her beloved grandson, Luca.
Sallie began her career as a graphic designer, where her artistic talent left a mark in the most unexpected places - from store shelves to concert halls. One of her early accomplishments was designing a new logo for Stornetta Dairy (now Clover), which brought her joy every time she saw it in grocery stores. She also had the unique opportunity to design a concert poster for the legendary jazz musician Dave Brubeck, a project she remembered fondly.
As her family grew, Sallie embraced the flexibility of entrepreneurship, founding her own design company, SSK Design. She continued her artistic work while nurturing her children at home. Yet her passion for art extended beyond her own expression - she felt a calling to teach. After completing additional coursework at Sonoma State University, she earned her teaching credentials and began a new chapter as an art teacher. She taught at Rancho Cotati High School, Rohnert Park Middle School, and Maria Carrillo High School, inspiring countless students with her creativity and compassion.
Always ready to serve where there was the greatest need, Sallie pursued further education to become a certified Special Education teacher. Her dedication was evident in the way she tirelessly worked - often bringing home assignments to ensure her students received the support they needed to succeed.
In 2017, tragedy struck when Sallie and Larry lost their home of 32 years in the Tubbs Fire. Despite the devastation, Sallie's faith never wavered. She poured her energy into rebuilding their home and continued to find strength in her church community and family.
Her own cancer diagnosis became a new avenue for ministry. Determined to walk alongside others facing similar challenges, Sallie founded Cancer Conquerors, a support group that met monthly for potluck dinners and meaningful conversation. Known for her warmth, humor, and determination, she created a space where hope and healing could thrive.
Sallie had a lifelong love of travel. As a teenager, she visited Japan, an experience that sparked her curiosity about the world. Over the years, she and Larry enjoyed everything from camping in the redwoods to cruises with family - exploring the Mississippi River, Mexico, Alaska, the Eastern Seaboard, the Panama Canal, making four unforgettable trips to Hawaii. Sallie and Larry also enjoyed trips abroad to England, Scotland, France and Italy.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Martha Stanton, and her brother, Bill Funke.
Sallie's life will be celebrated at a memorial service on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at Spring Hills Church, 3700 Fulton Road. All who knew her are welcome to attend and honor her legacy of faith, service, and creativity.
Sallie's strength, kindness, and artistic spirit will be deeply missed but forever remembered by those she touched.