Sally Nelson
December 13, 1940 – February 18, 2025
Sally Nelson was born in Twin Falls, Idaho and passed in Boise, Idaho from natural causes. She graduated from Buhl High School in 1959. She was also a graduate of Boise State University and received her Master’s Degree from Oregon State University. Sally was raised by mother Jean (MacKay) Thompson and grew up with her sisters and brother. Sally was a strong and graceful woman with a quiet and peaceful nature that brought comfort to her family and friends.
Sally married Gary Grindstaff in 1959 and together they raised their three children Cally, Will and David. Gary and Sally together with Gary’s parents (Harvey and Bernice) were successful farmers in the Buhl/Filer area. Gary and Sally met through their love of 4-H and went on to be 4-H leaders. Mom was named Cherry Pie Queen of Idaho; additionally, she traveled to Chicago to showcase her sewing skills with wool. They enjoyed water skiing on the Snake River with family and friends and performed in water ski shows. The family worked together and played together building many fond memories. Gary and Sally divorced in 1970 but remained friends.
Sally was a believer in education, which she instilled in her children, and was able to complete her college education, as a single mom. She began her teaching career at Fruitland High School and eventually moved to Treasure Valley Community College in Ontario where she met Lou Gasca. Sally and Lou enjoyed traveling, entertaining, golfing and the outdoors. Many family members enjoyed playful and adventurous times with Lou and Sally. Lou passed suddenly in the Idaho mountains on a woodcutting trip.
Sally’s next life adventure took her to New Mexico in 1983 where she was a professor at Western New Mexico State University in Silver City, New Mexico. During this time she explored Mexico and the Southwest learning about the culture and its people. During this time she met Dave Lett. They spent time together in Barrow, Alaska and Guam. Dave passed during their stay in Guam.
Sally retired in Green Valley, Arizona where she became a member of the Green Valley Country Club. She enjoyed golfing and the many recreational activities offered in this wonderful community. Eventually her brother, Don and sister-in-law Mary Beth, moved to the area where together, they enjoyed each other’s company. During this time Sally also owned homes in Ketchum and Fairfield, Idaho where she would spend summers with family. Sally’s mother started a family reunion tradition in the 1940s by camping every summer in the Sawtooths. Our family reunion tradition continues to this day.
Sally moved to Boise for the final chapter of her life where she resided at Aspen Valley Senior Living. She loved Boise and returning to Idaho where she could be near family. Her sister Anni lived nearby and eventually her sister Mary Jeanne also moved into Aspen Valley. Her sister Mary Jeanne passed on February 3 and Mom followed her in passing on February 18. Her death was peaceful where she was surrounded by family.
Mom, you will be greatly missed. You are a true inspiration to us and we will do our best to continue your legacy. Your gentle, kind and patient spirit, together with your strength, will help us endure into the future. We love you so much!!
Sally is survived by her children, Cally (Mike) Roach, Will (Lisa) Grindstaff and David Grindstaff; grandchildren Stephen (Samantha) Parrott, Kathryn (Tim) Porter, Claire (George) Harris and Walker Grindstaff Cooke; great-grandchildren Jackson, Reagan and Wilson Parrott, Ahlora, Samuel, Alina, Jessa and Aaron Porter, and Ruthie Bernice Harris; sister Anni Thompson; together with many nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother Jean (MacKay) Thompson; sister Mary Jeanne Elliott, brother, Don Thompson, and son-in-law Roland Cooke.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Bowman Funeral Parlor, 10254 W Carlton Bay Drive, Garden City, Idaho. Reception will follow from 1:00-4:00pm at Louie’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant, 2500 E Fairview Ave., Meridian, Idaho. Sally’s ashes will be spread on Bald Mountain in Ketchum, Idaho during the summer of 2025.
Sally was a role model and mentor who shared her love with family, friends and animals. The family would like to express their thanks and gratitude to the many exceptional caregivers and friends at Aspen Valley Senior Living in Boise where she lived for the last five years of her life. She would be honored by any kindness you extend to a veteran and those in need.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Sally’s memorial webpage located on the Bowman Funeral Home website or by sending a card to the family c/o of Bowman’s.
Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.