Sally Neumann, 89

During her 89 years, Sally was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, friend, godmother, grandmother and great-grandmother. On Sept. 7, 2022, she passed away peacefully in her sleep with family at home. We were all supported by Angel Senior Care and Hospice of Spokane.

Sally Rae Regina Kirkpatrick was born on May 19, 1933, to Warren and Peggy (Vivian O'Leary) Kirkpatrick in Kalispell. She grew up in the Flathead Valley. Sally was the valedictorian of her Flathead County High School graduating class of 1951. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Gonzaga University in 1955. Sally was recruited by multiple prestigious hospitals across the country. She declined those offers and started her 27-year career as a medical technologist at the small, local Kalispell hospital where the need was greater.

Sally met Budd Neumann while she attended Gonzaga University. Juggling school, work and a long-distance relationship was overwhelming for the couple. On a short leave, Budd traveled from San Diego to Kalispell to propose to Sally. Two weeks later they were married on Dec. 31, 1955. They immediately started their life together, driving through a Montana blizzard on their way to the Chincoteague, Rhode Island Naval Base.

Budd and Sally were married for 55 years, had seven children, and 20 homes scattered from coast to coast.

During her “spare time,” Sally volunteered and shared her many talents with local organizations. She sewed and donated over 200 layettes for Teen-Aid. Sally was known as the "Church Linen Lady" in Priest River, Idaho, and several Catholic parishes in Colbert and North Spokane. For 12 years she and Budd provided respite care through Hospice of Spokane and in Bonner County in north Idaho.

Sally looked forward to the day God would call her to her 21st and final home. We know she will continue to watch over, listen, and hear the prayers, wishes and dreams of the Numerous Neumanns: MaryAnn Neumann (died at birth in 1957), Kayce Neumann (Scott Ballard), Reta Gibson (Ron), Ruth Nelson (Terry), Erin Montgomery (Bob), Susan Neumann (Jeff Koble) and Kirk Neumann (Lori) along with 25 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Rosary vigil will be held on Friday, Oct. 7, at 4 p.m. at St. Aloysius (330 E. Boone Ave., Spokane, WA 99202) Funeral Mass will be held Oct. 8, at 10 a.m., also at St. Aloysius. Inurnment following at Holy Cross Cemetery. (7200 N. Wall St., Spokane, WA 99208)

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Hospice of Spokane or a charity of your choice. Visit Sally's online memorial page at www.holycrossofspokane.org.