Sally Ann Childers

Sally Ann Childers --“Mrs. C” -- passed away at her home on September 22, 2016 after a long struggle with cancer. Sally touched many lives with her passion, warmth, and humanity. And she will be sorely missed by all who knew her. Sally was born in Anderson, Indiana on December 15, 1939, the fourth child of Beatrice and Neil Word. At the end of World War II, Sally’s father was assigned as the Federal Meat Inspector to the slaughter house in Visalia. So, 5 year old Sally, 13 year old sister Nancy, and their mother, traveled cross country to their new home aboard a troop train filled with home starved soldiers returning from Europe who lavished the two girls with attention. Sally always remembered this trip with great fondness. Sally spent the next four years in Visalia until 1949, when her family moved to Long Beach, CA. She graduated from Millikan High School in Long Beach in 1958. At the age of nine, Sally was introduced to the violin and music became a passion throughout her life. She was chosen to play in a “Junior Musicians of America“ concert at the Hollywood Bowl, and played professionally for the Beverly Hills Opera Company. While there, she decided she could affect more lives as a teacher, and moved from the orchestra pit to the classroom. She graduated from Long Beach State with a degree in Elementary Education, and began her 35-year love affair teaching children. Sally taught at various elementary schools in Southern California, and Montesori schools while residing in Torrance and Mill Valley. In 1979, Sally returned to Visalia and started her 22-year tenure at Kohn Elementary School in Tulare, where she was respected by her peers, and loved by her students. In 1996, Sally married her husband, Brian Pugnetti, in the amphitheater at Kohn School with over 400 friends, family, and students – past and present – in attendance. After her retirement in 2000, Sally embraced her hobbies – bridge, knitting, and quilting. She became an enthusiastic member of “American Association of University Women” which awards many thousands of dollars in college scholarships locally; “PEO” – an organization of women dedicated to the advancement of women, and “Questers” – an organization devoted to the preservation of local history. Sally is survived by her husband, her sister Nancy Whatley of Garbervilla CA, her son Sid Childers, daughter in law Carolyn Childers, grandson Noah, daughter Katy Ramirez, granddaughter Alyssa all from Visalia; her step children Matthew Pugnetti of Bellevue WA and Maria Pugnetti of Brattleboro VT. Sally was preceded in death by her sisters Thelma House, Jane Murray and her parents. A Celebration of Sally’s life will be held on Friday, September 30, at 10AM at the Salser & Dilliard Funeral Chapel, 127 E Caldwell Ave, Visalia, CA 93277. Ph: 559-635-1144 No flowers please. Donations in memory of Sally can be made to the AAUW Sequoia Branch”, P.O. Box 6; Visalia Ca, 93279. A memorial tribute may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com

Sally Ann Childers

December 15, 1939 - September 22, 2016