Sally Grace (Darby) Gould, age 86, of Walker, Michigan, formerly of Ada and Saranac areas, passed away peacefully at the Covenant Living of the Great Lakes on 8/3/2024.
A future, private memorial will be held for immediate family members. Sally will rest with her husband in Findlay Cemetery, Ada. It is requested that memorial gifts in her honor be made to American Cancer Society or Alzheimer’s Association.
Sally was born January 20, 1938, in Ionia County, Michigan, to the late Lyle Rowland and Helen Grace (Curtis) Darby. She was united in marriage to Edward Stovall Gould on October 20, 1957, and they shared 29 years of love and friendship prior to his death on November 22, 1986.
She is survived by her son, Neil E. Gould of Walker; two daughters, Peggy J. Woodyard (husband, David) of Greensboro, Georgia, and Connie D. Gould of Walker; an “adopted daughter” Paula Trigg (husband, Michael) of Waukegan, Illinois; three grandchildren, Chase Woodyard, Cydney Woodyard (husband, Andy Smith), and Shannon Gould; two “adopted grandchildren”, Christopher Trigg of Los Angeles, and Patrick Trigg of Chicago; her brother Earl Darby (wife, Carol) of Lake Odessa; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.
In addition to her parents and husband, Sally was preceded in death by her sister, Jo Ann Smith and a brother, Donald C Darby.
Sally graduated from Saranac High School and ultimately began a career and retired from Amway. She became a Master Gardener, volunteering at Meijer’s Gardens, and an experienced leader for disaster relief, including serving within days at ground zero of the World Trade Center. Sally never missed an opportunity to give of her time to help others. Throughout her life, she was an avid outdoor enthusiast of golfing, biking, and hiking. Among her favorite experiences were backpacking many times out West with good friends and traveling domestically and internationally with her family and adopted family. Sally enjoyed her gardens, which she nurtured with passion, a love she shared with family and friends.
6 Responses
Dear Connie, Neil, Peg & Family,
Thank you so very much for this wonderful obituary, and nice picture of my friend Sally. She and I would often have a glass of wine together, and were great emailing friends for many years. Yes, she and my sister Violet worked together at Amway and I just shared this lovely obituary with her over the phone. We both loved Sally very much and will miss her laugh from time to time. May God Bless her soul, and be with all of you as you grieve your Mom, but know she is with the Angels. Much love, friend Lyn Pingle
To my dear cousins, you and your families are in my thoughts and prayers. We will miss Aunt Sally so much. She was always such a huge part of our lives and we loved her dearly. Prayers through all the tough times for you all.
Love, Ed and Pam Ellinger
Connie, Peg, Neil and family,
Doug and I send our condolences and love to you all at this difficult time. Although we did not know Sally in person, by interacting with you and seeing your care and love for her we know you had a beautiful family bond and enjoyed so much of life together.
Keeping you in prayer.
Peg, Neil and Connie,
You have my deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother. She was a great aunt and later friend. May the wonderful memories of her sustain you in the future.
Sally was a soft, gentle soul until you played golf with her and then she wasn’t! Sam and I have many fond memories of Sally walking up to the golf ball and whacking it further than you would ever expect. Her sense of humor was always present and her loving, sharp wit could catch you off guard and then we’d roll with laughter. We shared many a glass of wine with her and toast her now that she’s with her Steady Eddie.
We are both so grateful we knew Sally and were blessed with her friendship.
Dear Peggy, Dave, Chase and Cydney- the crossing of the bridge from this earth into heavenly realm is our greatest achievement. Everything you said about your mom and mom in law and grandmother- she was able cross the bridge flying. What a wonderful woman. What joy to have her with you for so long. May you find peace and comfort. With Love, Tom and Joan.