Sally Jo Johnson

1938 - 2024

Burlington - Sally was born Sally Jo Anderson on March 1, 1938, to Forest "Woody" and Katherine Anderson of Big Lake, Washington. At the age of 5, the family welcomed Sally's sister Jackie, and at age 10, her brother Ed was born, completing the family. They resided on a farm on the East Side of Big Lake, and Sally attended schools in Sedro Woolley. At the age of 16, Sally married her high school sweetheart, Jim Kirkpatrick, and they established their first home in Sedro Woolley, Washington. She graduated from Sedro Woolley High School with the class of 1956 and commenced work at Glenn Allen Jewelers. Sally held various job roles subsequently, including working at The Sedro Woolley 88 Cent Store, Burlington Auto Parts, and Vale's Apparel.

Like many, Sally's first marriage ended in divorce. Later on, she met Billie D. Johnson, whom she married in 1980. The couple made their residence in Burlington, Washington, where they enjoyed a fulfilling life. Their activities included involvement with His Place Community Church, flying (Sally obtained a pilot's license), boating around the San Juan Islands (with Sally capable of captaining a 40-foot boat, though she favored being the elegant deckhand), weekly family lunches, camping, and golfing. Everything was approached with a smile. Sally had a wide circle of friends, volunteered weekly with a church support group aiding infirm members in maintaining their independence, and engaged in numerous family activities. In 2015, Bill passed away.

Despite staunchly maintaining that she would never marry again, Sally met another widower, Larry Wersen, who similarly asserted he had no intention of marrying again. The exact discussion leading up to their first date, as they often recounted, indicated this mutual resolve. However, love triumphed, and Sally and Larry were married on March 26, 2018. They established their home just outside of Sedro Woolley, Washington, on what they endearingly termed "the Farm." More recently, they relocated to the Cedars active adult retirement community in Burlington, Washington. Life continued to be filled with blessings, including ongoing activities with His Place Church, cherished family time, and leisurely strolls around the neighborhood. In 2021, Sally was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, undergoing surgery and extensive rehabilitation. Yet, life was still viewed positively.

On April 2, 2024, Sally passed away, surrounded by her family. The family expresses gratitude towards the staff at United General Medical Center and Hospice House of Bellingham for their dedicated care and support. Sally is survived by her loving husband Larry Wersen and his extended family, sister Jackie Faupel, brother Ed Anderson, biological children Brad Kirkpatrick, Lisa Ray, and Brian Kirkpatrick, along with their spouses, as well as her grandchildren and a host of friends. Sally was predeceased by her father, Forest Anderson, mother, Katherine Jensen, aunt, Bernice Macrander, uncle, Ernie Macrander, and her two previous husbands, Jim Kirkpatrick and Billie Johnson.

A celebration of life will be held this summer, details to be announced later.