Sally Lou Sutton

Sally passed away peacefully early in the morning on December 31st, 2024. In true Sally fashion, she finished out the year strong and began a new chapter in heaven. She was 92 years old, born on October 5th, 1932, in Cottage Grove, Oregon.

Sally grew up in Culp Creek, Oregon, in a mill camp, where her father worked in the logging industry. Life in the camp meant everyone pitched in, and Sally helped her mother raise her three younger sisters and brother. She attended school through her sophomore year, later earning her GED so she could work for the local school district as a secretary. Eventually, she transitioned into banking, working at Valley of the Rogue Bank, where her warm personality made her a beloved colleague and friend to many.

A devoted baseball fan, growing up in the Northwest fashioned a Seattle Mariners fan out of her, and after moving to Texas, she added the Texas Rangers to her lineup. She also loved fishing, especially during family camping trips to Crane Prairie, where catching largemouth bass was always the highlight. Her family affectionately nicknamed her “The African Queen,” a nickname she wore with loving humor.

Sally had a knack for creating beauty with her hands. She loved to knit, crochet, and sew, and in just the past two and a half years, she made over 35 quilts for her family and loved ones. Each quilt was crafted with care, a tangible reminder of her warmth and love.

Sally’s heart was devoted to her Lord, her faith, and her church family. A steadfast prayer warrior, she found joy and purpose in being part of the prayer team at Riverview Calvary Chapel of New Braunfels. Her faith guided her through life’s challenges and victories, and it brought her and those she prayed for immense comfort.

Sally is reunited in heaven with her parents, Jack and Stella Lemon; her brother, Leon Lemon; her sisters, Jacky Lynch, and twins Joyce Taylor and Jan Coldwell. She was also preceded in death by her first husband and the father of her three sons, Robert “Bob” Sutton, who passed away in 1978; her second husband, Al Sarver, who passed away in 1994; and her third husband, Milo “Mike” Griswold, who passed away in 2009. She is also preceded in death by her stepsons, Jim and Mark Griswold.

Sally was the matriarch of her family and leaves us to treasure her memory and legacy: her sons, John – wife Jenny Sutton, Jerry – wife Shawn Sutton, and Joe – wife Anita Sutton; her stepdaughters, Jodi Shaw and Bethlyn Brandt; and her stepson, John Griswold. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, who will carry her love and stories forward.

Sally’s life was a testament to faith, family, and resilience. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Thank you for your love, prayers, and everything you taught and shared with us Mom, Grandma, and "Grandma Great".

Your legacy of love and faith will live on, we love you.