Selma Louise Sally Wheaton, 99

Selma Louise Sally Wheaton, born in Kalispell Sept. 30, 1911, passed away in her sleep in Spokane on Oct. 18, 2010, at the age of 99 years. Sally is survived by her sister, Alice, who is 101 years of age. Their parents were Frank and Faith Wheaton, pioneering residents of Kalispell where Frank founded Wheaton Cycle in the early 1900s. Sally graduated from Flathead County High School in 1929 and married Ray Chapel on Nov. 18, 1934. As a civilian military architect, Ray Chapel was stationed in Japan and California. While living Los Angeles in the late 30s, Sally attended beauty school. The couple moved to Spokane in the late 40s and live there until the 60s, when they moved to Seattle. When Ray retired from the Army Corps of Engineers, they moved back to Spokane where they were members of the Commodore Boating Club, and Sally was a member of the League of Women Voters. Together, Sally and Ray bought a mobile home and spent the winters in Mesa, Ariz., and the summers in Spokane, until Ray passed away in 1972. Sally then moved to Mesa where she met and married Frank Trippet who was also from Kalispell. He passed away five months after they were married. While in Mesa, Sally participated in synchronized aquatic ballet. A few years later Sally met Rod O Connell at their class reunion. When he asked if he could sit beside her she said No! I m saving this seat for my future husband. By the end of that summer, they were married and made their home in Arizona. Sally was preceded in death by Ray Chapel, Frank Trippet and Rod O Connell; and her brothers (by age), Robert, Bernard, Harold, Glen and Clark Wheaton. She had 12 nieces and nephews on her side of the family as well as four on Ray s side of the family. She opened her heart and home to all of them, taking them on many road trips which always included swimming which she really enjoyed. Sally s family is planning a private gathering at a later date. Arrangements under the direction of Ball & Dodd Funeral Home, Spokane.