Sept. 28, 1934 ~ June 9, 2022
Sally Wilson, mother, sister, friend and neighbor, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2022, in Meeker. Sally was born in Meeker on Sept. 28, 1934, to Mary Jean (Nichols) and Howard Joy. She had an idyllic childhood, enjoying the freedoms and fun of a small, close-knit community. After spending her freshman year at St. Mary’s of the Wasatch High School in Salt Lake City, Sally returned to Meeker to complete her high school years. As a senior, she was elected class president, served as assistant editor of the yearbook, was drum major of the band, and a cheerleader. She also spent a fair amount of time riding on the back of a motorcycle driven by a certain handsome young man named Charles (Chuck) Wilson.
Following graduation in 1952, Sally married Charles, who was serving in the Navy. Chuck was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, and they moved there immediately after the wedding. Sally found a secretarial job in the Washington, D.C. area, which she found “hot and muggy.” After Chuck’s discharge from the Navy, they returned to Meeker where their first child, Kit Christopher (KC) was born (1955). Sally worked as a secretary in the school system until their second son, Rory was born (1957). Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Denver, where Chuck completed his accounting degree, and Sally operated a small childcare service in their home. It was in Denver that their third son, Shane was born (1964). In 1968 the family set out for the Last Frontier, Alaska. They settled in Juneau, where Sally again worked as a secretary in the school system. Always the adventurer, she became quite the small boat sailor and fisherwoman. She loved to take the boys out fishing, where they would often be found late into the Alaskan evening. She often spoke of those Alaskan years as some the best of her life. In 1974 the family packed up and returned to Meeker. Chuck went to work with his brother at the bank, while Sally, always the entrepreneur, engaged in several activities. She was once again a secretary in the school system, drove a school bus, and worked for one of Meeker’s dentists—never letting the grass grow under her feet. 1983 found Sally and Chuck moving to Sun Lakes, Arizona, where Chuck worked for an accounting firm and Sally became a licensed real estate agent. While there she also spent many hours caring for her parents, Jean and Howard.
In 1996 Sally and Chuck returned to their home in Meeker. Chuck passed away in 2000, but Sally remained active in the community. She was a member of PEO, engaged in an investment group, and enjoyed playing bridge with friends. She also enjoyed traveling, making several trips to Europe with son Rory and good friend, Janice Hossack. Although disclaiming the title of activist, Sally became a strong and outspoken advocate for saving the elementary school when building the Justice Center was being discussed (although it is debatable if she actually chained herself to a school bench as KC suggested in her eulogy!)
In her later years, Sally greatly enjoyed visits from her brother Jay and his wife Patty, and her sons and their families. In addition, her favorite activity, despite admonitions from family and Game and Fish officials, was feeding the deer, turkeys, squirrels, and birds in her backyard. They, and her family and friends, will truly miss her.
Sally was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Jean Joy, a sister Joann, and her husband Charles. She is survived by her brother Jay (Patricia) of Durango, Colorado; sons KC (JoLe) of Juneau, Alaska; Rory of Yuma, Arizona; Shane of Port Townsend, Washington; six grandchildren and their spouses; and two great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to HopeWest of Meeker.
