- Date Of Birth: April 25, 1937
- Date Of Death: May 28, 2021
- State: Michigan
Sally Chase (Klinesteker) Putney 84, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 28, 2021. She was surrounded by family, with messages from friends and loved ones telling her how she had touched their lives. Sally’s life was filled with many accomplishments and awards, yet, what may be most remembered about Sally is her creative spirit (an avid photographer for over 50 years), her open-mindedness and desire to learn and grow, her sense of adventure (worldwide traveler), her love of the arts and theater, her kind and gentle strength, her hopefulness, and her hearty laugh.
Sally’s legacy of love was perhaps her greatest gift to all of us. She enjoyed an extraordinarily loving marriage with her husband Tim. After 62 years of marriage, they never tired of holding hands, spooning, or expressing their undying gratitude for the blessed love they shared. Her daughter’s and grandchildren all grew up knowing her unconditional love and acceptance, and ever-present encouragement to grow and learn. Her friendships were rich and lasted decades. She had a remarkable gift of deeply listening and building genuine connection with people of all backgrounds.
Sally was an eternal humanitarian devoted to social justice, always seeking to improve the lives of others, and to create a more compassionate and caring community for all of us. Sally graduated from U of M and earned her master’s degree at WMU. Sally was grateful to have meaningful work that contributed to so many in our community. She was a teacher, a Speech Therapist, and Program Coordinator for both the YWCA Mentoring Program, and the Early Intervention Program. She served on many boards and committees including but not limited to: American Red Cross, United Way, Gryphon Place, Ministry with Community, Kalamazoo
Foundation, New Vic Theater, YWCA, Planned Parenthood, Youth Development Network, Service Club, and Gull Lake Community Schools. Sally was the recipient of the 1991 YWCA Volunteer Leadership Award, the 1991 Planned Parenthood Award for Pioneering Spirit, and the 2006 YWCA Women of Achievement Award. Sally was born on April 25, 1937, in Grand Rapids, MI to the late Russell and Bess Klinesteker. She is survived by her beloved Tim, daughters Kristin and Sara (Rick), grandchildren (Thomas, Sophia, Kiely, Grace) and great grandchild (Mia Rose). There will be a gathering to celebrate Sally’s life announced in the future.
