Sally B Spalding

Sally Spalding passed away on July 23,2023 in the loving care of the staff at Redwood Terrace. She was born in Roseburg, OR on Nov 26,1927 to parents Bert Bates and Nova Lough Bates. She graduated from Roseburg High School and attended the University of Oregon where she met her husband, Merve Spalding. At Oregon she joined Delta Zeta Sorority which she supported for 75 years. Sally and Merve were married 71 years and had 3 daughters, Libby, Leslie, and Erin.

While Merve was occupied with the family business, Spalding and Son Lumber, Inc. Sally devoted much of her time to community service, beginning with long hours for the Red Cross to help the 1964 flood victims. Later she managed Josephine County Blood Mobile, and volunteered with Planned Parenthood, and Josephine County Public Health as well as serving on the Josephine County Commission for Children and Families. She served as president of Southern Oregon Adolescent Treatment center (KAIROS) and Rogue Community College Foundation Board where she was a founding member. Sally is also credited with spearheading the fundraising and development of the Anne G. Basker Auditorium, a tribute to her dear friend, Ann. Sally was most proud to be a member of Grants Pass Rotary.

Her other love was showing American Saddlebred horses up and down the West Coast. After many years on the sidelines supporting her daughters’ riding accomplishments, she began to win awards driving her own fine harness horse and continued until well past age 80. Her summer vacation was frequently a trip to cheer on favorites at the Kentucky State Fair.

Sally was preceded in death by her husband, Merve in 2019. She is survived by daughters, Libby (Ted) Watts, Leslie Spalding, and Erin Spalding, granddaughters Kate Burke and Megan Watson, grandsons Cameron Watts and Rian Spalding and four great-granddaughters.

A memorial gathering will be held at 1:00pm, August 12 at Hull and Hull.

Contributions in her name to Josephine Community Library Foundation are encouraged.

Please share memories of Sally on her Guestbook.