Mrs Juanita Sally Gallagher

Sally was born on September 2, 1924, in Burrell, California, to Charles and Lydia Hawn. She was the youngest of ten children and for some time, her parents having not yet come up with a name, was known simply as 'Baby Hawn'.

Sally was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and six sisters; her husband, Rex Gallagher; son, Chuck Gallagher; daughter, Irene Correia; and great-grandson, Bryce Correia Milton.

Sally and Rex were married on August 13, 1941, in Reno, Nevada. It was a marriage that would last 60 years until Rex's passing on September 15, 2001. The marriage ceremony, however, was almost derailed as the young couple had to climb 13 steps to reach the matrimonial floor of the courthouse. Sally was very superstitious and those 13 steps were not what she considered a good omen.

Sally and Rex made their home in Tranquillity, California. Though they owned a house in the town of Tranquillity, they resided outside of town on the Glotz Ranch property, Rex's employer. This is where they would raise their five children, Rex ('43), James ('45), Charles ('49), Irene ('50), and Lester ('52).

Sally enjoyed having get-togethers with family and friends. She liked playing card and dice games, but what she loved was telling her family stories. She had an excellent mind for dates: birthdates, marriage dates, passing dates, all dates.

Sally, although already busy with caring for her five children and Rex, also worked outside the home at Scott's Market and was known by many through her employment there. In addition, she proudly sat on the Tranquillity Elections Board for many years and participated in a Women's Softball League in the mid-'50s.

During their retirement years, Rex and Sally were able to travel in their motor home. She enjoyed this time of her life very much. They were able to visit family and friends and simply spend time with one another.

In Sally's passing, she leaves behind an impressive legacy as evidence of her character: Her five children all attended college and became successful in their own right. All married and stayed married to their one spouse. They are all of solid character, good humor, loving parents, and devoted spouses. These five children gave Sally nine grandchildren, all of whom she loved deeply and fed candy on the sly repeatedly.

Sally will be remembered as a great cook and storyteller. Some will remember her for her jet black hair and red lipstick. She will surely be remembered for loving to give hugs and kisses, but most importantly, Sally will be remembered as a loving and hard-working wife, mother, and grandmother.

She is survived by sons, Rex Gallagher and his wife Sharon, James Gallagher and his wife Susan, and Les Gallagher and his wife DeEtta; son-in-law, John Correia; daughter-in-law, Wendy Pendergrass; grandchildren: Jeannette Correia, Gretchen Soares, Jason Correia, Travis Gallagher, Fiona Goettle, Shawn Gallagher, Grady Gallagher, Amanda Gallagher, Amber Gallagher, and ten great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Stephens & Bean Funeral Chapel on Friday, March 9, 2012, from 2:00 - 7:00 PM.

A Chapel Service will be held on Saturday, March 10, 2012, at 10:00 AM at Stephens & Bean Funeral Chapel, 202 N.Teilman in Fresno, California. Burial will follow at St. Peter's Cemetery on Blythe Avenue.

Remembrances can be sent to Nancy Hind's Hospice in Fresno.