Sally Ann Arner

Sally Ann Arner

May 21, 1943 - January 10, 2022

Sally Ann Arner

May 21, 1943 - January 10, 2022

Obituary

Sally Ann Arner, 78 of Mesa, AZ.  passed away Monday, January 10, with her family: Ron (husband), David (son) and Mike (brother) by her side.

Sally was born to Luverne and Velman Grulke on May 21, 1943 at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.  She grew up in Owatonna, MN., where her dad was a Pharmacist and owned the Rexall drug store in town.  After high school, she went on to UNI, in Cedar Falls, IA. where she sought a degree in Elementary Education.  After student teaching in Kenosha, WI.  She found an opportunity to teach next in Ansbach, Germany on a Military Base, which provided extensive travel all throughout Europe.

Upon arrival back in the U.S. she followed her parents to Arizona where they would retire.  It was no surprise Sally found this path in teaching and Elementary Education, she had such a natural gift with kids, being so patient, compassionate and attentive.  Also with these qualities she would bring music into her classroom playing piano and singing with her kids.  With a few years of teaching experience, Sally would build her career in Glendale, AZ in 1970 at William C. Jack Elementary.  She taught first grade, then started W.C. Jack’s Kindergarten program in 1971.  It was there she would teach grades K-3rd for thirty-four years.  Early into the 1970’s, Sally took a summer waitressing job at Kohls Ranch in Payson, AZ. to escape the heat.  It was there she would meet David (Beverly) working there as a cook.  Within a year, the two would welcome their son David.  David and Sally would be married for twenty-one years.  After husband David’s passing, Sally would soon find companionship meeting Ron (Arner).  They would soon be married, and welcome many new grandchildren.  One of the greatest gifts and pleasures they would share would be their love for family.  As Sally’s marriage to Ron grew over the years, so did the number of grandchildren that she had.  Since Sally was a lover of children, she made it a point to spend time with her grandchildren and form many fond memories with them. Sally welcomed her new family over for many holidays and get-togethers, which she filled with stories, laughter, and joy.  Sally intentionally spent time with all of her family members, old and new, and she was a pleasure for everyone to be around, both young and old.

With family, there were many lasting friendships which remained till the end; even friends from grade school.  She collected friends and kept them for a lifetime. Sally’s favorite flower was a sunflower.  Like a sunflower, Sally had a brightness and beauty which touched so many lives.

Sally is survived by her husband of 24 years, Ron.  Brother, Mike (Rosemary), Megan.  Son, David (Melissa) and grandchildren:  Gage and Jace.  Jim and Brenda Lee.  Grandchildren: Christian, Jeremiah, Jacee, Jacob, Jianna, Jenesis, Jasiah, Jesi.  Jeff (Susan) Arner.  Grandchildren:  Nevaeh, Matthew, Aubrianna.  Sean (Jessica) Arner.  Grandchildren:  Ashtin and Nathan.  Linda (George) McNulty.  Ken Arner.

All of these she loved and touched deeply.  A memorial service and a funeral service will be at a later date.

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2 responses to Sally Ann Arner

  1. Dear Ron, David and families, I am so sorry to learn about Sally. She was one of the sweetest, kindess people I have known and I was lucky enough to call her a cousin. Our mothers Luverne and Merredith (Fowler) were first cousins and managed to stay in touch through many decades. I loved visiting them all in Phoenix and meeting you Ron too. Sally touched the lives of so many children and loved her family dearly. May your memories comfort you and bring you peace.

  2. Sally was my mentor and third parent at times. She taught me how to teach and how to really connect with kids. I have so many fond memories of my time with her. I will
    Never forget her or the way she made me feel. Thank you Ron and David for sharing her with the rest of us

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