Friday, July 26, 2024

Sarah “Sally” (Schaal) Smalley, 95

Wellsville, NY - Sarah Sally (Schaal) Smalley went home to be with her Lord and Savior onWednesday, July 24, 2024. Sally was born on February 10, 1929, in Buffalo, NY, the daughter of Earl Volk and Helen (Dye) Schaal.

Sally graduated from Michigan State University in 1951. There she met and married her college sweetheart, Bruce Alan Smalley. Upon marriage, theybecame United Methodist missionaries and spent the next 11 years in Southern Rhodesia, where she taught sewing, cooking and other homemaking skills to the local African women. Sally was a true helpmate and partner to Bruce in all of life’s endeavors.  

In 1963, the Smalleys moved back to the United States to live near her family in East Aurora, NY. In 1972, Bruce was offered a new job with Cooperative Extension in Belmont, NY. While in Belmont, they served the United Methodist Church, faithfully, for nearly 50 years.

Sally had 4 children of whom she was very proud. Fred (Julie) Smalley of Levan, Utah, Bob (Laurie) Smalley of Brant Lake, NY, Percillah (Mark) Woodard of Brockport, NY, and Carol (Bill) Tompkins of Belmont, NY. She was blessed with 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, whom she prayed for daily.

As a wife and mother, she was “all in.” Whether it was 4-H, a sporting event,  school activity, or some other project, she was always there, supporting her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in anything that piqued their interest. Her generous heart, huge smile, infectious laugh and giving spirit contributed to a life well-lived.

A private family graveside service is being planned for a later date. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

9 comments:

  1. Lifting the family up in prayer. A wonderful lady is now with her Lord and Savior along with her husband.

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  2. Laura Smalley LinnJuly 26, 2024 at 11:23 PM

    I have many fond memories of Aunt Sally, and can hear her laugh as I look at her beautiful picture. My prayers go out to my cousins and their families as they move through this time in their lives.

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  3. I’m sorry to hear about Sally. I have many fond memories of both Sally and Bruce. I remember them always as smiling and being a great influence on children of all ages! I loved going to the south st house and learning from them both! My thoughts and prayers are with you! 🙏❤️

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  4. She was such a sweet lady always loved seeing her at the nursing home I previously worked at. She would come in and sit with her husband Bruce every day and visit him. Always such a wonderful and amazing love there definitely truly a love that is like no other her and her husband.

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  5. She and her smile have been missed in Belmont for many years.

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  6. She was always so encouraging at Office for the Ageing support group meetings. A very nice lady.

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  7. I remember Sally from her involvement in United Methodist Women's district missions and retreat activities. She was such a vibrant example to me and other younger women of what God could do through our small endeavors.

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