On the evening of February 15, 2023, Sally passed away at Holy Rosary Healthcare in Miles City, MT. Sally was 79 years old. We were very much looking forward to celebrating her 80th Birthday on February 24th.
Sally Ann Borla was born in the mining town of Sunrise, Wyoming on February 24, 1943. She was the third child and second daughter of Joseph and Esther Borla. Sally lived in Sunrise until July 1948, when the family moved to the ranch in Boyes, to help Joe’s parents Emil and Teresa Borla.
Sally was a very happy, mischievous child. She liked to have fun and joke with her parents and grandparents. She always wanted to be the center of attention and enjoyed teasing her younger brother Junior. If Sallys’ personality wasn’t big enough, her heart was even larger. She’s always loved animals, her bum lambs and her cats. She would often get scolded by her father for dressing the cats in doll clothes her Grandmother had sewn.
Sally Graduated from Powder River County High School in 1961. She went on to attend the Business College of Billings. Following school, she worked for two years at an Insurance company in Billings Montana.
She made the decision to move to Sacramento, California in September 1964. She lived with sister Darlene and her husband Dick for six months and enjoyed being a loving, caring aunt to Shelley and Michael. She was eventually hired to work for the State of California. She began her career as a Stenographer in the Department of Education and, then worked for the Department of Water Resources. She worked with diverse people from all walks of life and made many lifelong friends. When Sally wasn’t working tirelessly for the State of California, she was spending time with her created family of friends. It wouldn’t be surprising to find Sally enjoying herself with a cocktail and testing her luck at the casino.
Sally retired in the spring of 2001, after working for the State of California for 36 years.
Sally moved back home in June of 2001 to be with her mother Esther. It was a big adjustment after living in the city for so many years. Sally worked at the Powder River Manor for several years in housekeeping and laundry. She always enjoyed the Residents and they enjoyed her. She also helped Gary and Theresa at Alderman Oil. The love and dedication she had for her mother was immeasurable. Our Grandmother was able to live in her home on the ranch until the time of her death.
Sally was always full of energy and the life of the party. Her laugh and energy would light up any room. Sally loved to talk, talk, and talk. She never knew a stranger, she could visit with anyone and was most definitely not shy. She never forgot a birthday, she was gifted at remembering her friends and family dates of births. We could always count on a humorous card with a sweet message, and maybe a little cash
.
Sally was the most giving and generous person. She would help anyone no matter their circumstance. She did not have her own children, but she had nine nieces and nephews who thought she was the best Aunt in the world. Shelley and Michaels’ favorite part of Christmas was a visit from Aunt Sally. When she would come to visit, all of us could look forward to small plastic toys, M&M’s, jewelry, lip gloss and See’s Candy. Sally spoiled all of us and made us all feel special. We will remember Aunt Sally for her big clip-on earrings, bright lipstick and sparkling, sequin tops.
We are all blessed that the best gift Sally could have left us, is the inability to remember her without smiling or laughing.
Sally was preceded in death by her brother Sam, beloved parents Joe and Esther Borla, her friend John, and cats: Orphie, Alfie, Fluffy, Tiger, and Muffin.
Sally is survived by her sister Darlene Nicholson and brother Joe Jr. and Chris Ann Borla. Nephews-Mark, Michael, Collin, Quinn and David. Nieces- Shelley, Melanie, Melinda and Andrea. She had many lifelong wonderful friends, Karen Gaskill, Linda Morella, Reggie, Ann and Ruth. Sally also left behind her well cared for cats Buddy and Booshee.
In memory of Sally’s love of cats and all animals, donations can be made in her honor at local animal shelters.
As per Sally’s wishes there will be a graveside service in the spring. We will take a cue from Sally and laugh, share stories, and enjoy time with family and great friends. Condolences may be sent to family at www.stevensonandsons.com.
Vanna Byrd says
I am so sorry to hear about Sally. She had a heart of gold. Will miss passing the time of day with her.
Carol Schneidt says
Hugs and prayers to Sally’s family!
Karen Gaskill says
I just lost my best friend of a lifetime. My daughter said, “mom, who is going to make you laugh now?” Sally was always there for me and everyone else (including any animal) that needed her. The most generous and unselfish person in the world. She will never be replaced. Such a pure loving heart!
Patricia Franklin says
Prayers to Sally’s family, she was so fun and caring!
Diana Elwood says
My condolences to Sally’s family. I had the pleasure of getting to spend time with Sally the past few years. Always had good conversations with lots of laughs. God’s blessings to her family and friends.
Janet Rice says
So sorry and my condolences to Sally’s family. She was a great friend and i never had a lot of time to visit the last couple of years. She loved animals, was always feeding the stray cats. She will be missed dearly.
Bonnie Sprague says
So sorry & my condolences to her family. She was the best neighbor for my mother, Angie Bogner. Yes she love to watch over & be a great friend, she wii be missed!
Pam and Dave Nisley says
Dave and I are so saddened to lose this sweet lady! Our love and prayers for all of her loved ones!!!
Ginger says
Oh, Sally Ann…..what a hole you leave in all our lives. In the last few decades we’ve been acquainted, I’ve learned how much of a loving, caring, tender-hearted, and giving individual you were. Any person or animal in need benefited from your generosity and kindness. We’ll miss you and all your visits and delights. See you later, lovely lady!
Jo Raschkow says
I was so sad to hear of Sally’s passing, Prayers for all of her family.
She was very wonderful to work with at the Powder River Manor
and she with be missed.
Sandy and Chuck Wray says
We were acquainted with Sally through her sister Darleen who was our dear neighbor for 16 years. Met Sally several times when she came to visit Darleen. Remember her to be a very nice lady with a fun personality. We could see that Sally was a devoted daughter, sister and aunt. So very sad to learn of her passing. Our sincere condolences to her family and many friends. RIP Sally
Skin and Betty Collins says
To all of Sally’s family. Thoughts and hugs to all of you. Sally was a fun loving person who made every one laugh. She feed the stray cats in town of which there’s a lot. She will be missed by all that knew her.
Dan Fraser says
Sad to hear of this old friend’s passing.
Linda Hurley and Dick says
Such a sweet lady .She makes you happy just to see her.She will be missed.
Doug Cooper says
Sally used to baby sit me and my 2 older sisters in Billings. We always looked forward to being with her and loved her very much. Sally always made me feel special. We knew her as aunt Sally.❤
Edie ADAMS says
Sally was made of a very special fabric and her friendship left footprints on each of our hearts.
I was one of the lucky people to be a classmate of hers.
Ann Hill says
I send my condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the Borla family. Sally will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her. She was so giving and caring, especially to me. She was like my sister and I felt like part of the family. We have been friends since 1965 and I will miss her dearly.
Regina Ruhstaller says
Sally and I met when we were 20 years old and became friends. She was one of the friendliest, kindest and most
generous people I have ever known. We had a lot of fun through the years going to Tahoe, Reno and once to Las
Vegas to see Elvis! I got to visit her in Montana and I really liked her family, eespecially her Mom. After Sally retired we kept in touch on email, and I will miss hearing from her every week. I know she is in a better place and with her family and others she loved, but she will be missed by all of us who knew her here. We will all meet again someday. Until then, Rest in Peace, Sally!
Glenda Irion Somers says
Sally was one of my best friends, I shared a birthday with Sam, Sally never forgot.
David George says
I am so sad my aunt Sally has moved on. I only have the best memories of her growing up with her coming ever Christmas to Tahoe. I would wait and wait until she pulled up in her blue Toyota Corolla nick named “Santa’s Sleigh”. She loved giving and was a generous soul. I was so glad she was able to be with Esther for so many years after she retired. I’m going to miss her immensely and wish I made more time to connect in the later years. Take care of those cats in Heaven Sally!
Sandy says
So sorry to hear of Sally’s passing; she would stop in and visit when I worked at Aldermans and always had a great smile and stories!
Cam Emmons says
Condolences to Sally’s family and friends. Sally was very friendly and always had a smile. I remember her infectious laugh! What a character! Rest in peace.
A. J. Saladana says
Jerald,
Here is Sally’s obit. I hope you get it.
Reggie
Margery Nagel says
I am so sorry to read about Sally’s passing. We worked together at the California State Department of Water Resources. She was the kindest, most generous, and funniest person . There was no one else like her. She will be missed. May she rest peacefully in a sunny warm spot in heaven with all her cats.