Sally McEldery (January 8, 1928 - July 15, 2024)

Sally McEldery passed away peacefully at BeeHive Homes in Dillon, Mont., on Monday, July 15, 2024, at the age of 96 ½ years. old. She was born Sarah Elizabeth McGuire to John Francis (Frank) and Mary Leonora Elliott McGuire on January 8, 1928, in Sappington, Mont.

Sally's dad had different jobs living in various places in Montana. She attended eleven schools in twelve years. She liked attending school in Twin Bridges most of all and made the honor roll several times. She was elected class president her senior year of high school, graduating in May 1945. After graduation, she attended the College of Great Falls and moved to Missoula taking classes at the University of Montana, enrolling in the St. Patrick's School of Nursing through the United States Cadet Nurses Corp. Sally received her RN pin and diploma in 1948. While training she meet Dick McEldery who had injured his leg in an accident and her task was to keep him from re-injuring his leg and their romance blossomed. St. Pat's had strict rules about students fraternizing with men. A nun who was wise to the way of young people took her aside and had a chat about her romance. As a result, she married Richard D. McEldery on February 14, 1947.

Sally dedicated her service to caring for soldiers returning from World War II. She served in the United States Cadet Nurses Corp. These nurses are now being recognized for their service. Sally continued to work at the hospital and after her firstborn in 1948, she became a stay-at-home mom while Dick finished his studies at the University of Montana in 1950. Dick's jobs took them to many places, but in her heart, Dillon, Malta and Twin Bridges were where she called home. She donned her nursing cap again when she went to work at the Parkview Acres Nursing Home and was instrumental in developing the Alzheimer's Association in Dillon, Mont., and the Senior Bus service in Beaverhead County. Sally loved being a nurse and was the first CNA trainer in Dillon and formed the Candy Stripers at Parkview Acres. There she formed lifelong friendships with young ladies who would become nurses.

Dick and Sally moved to Colorado in 1972 and returned to Dillon after his retirement in 1977. Sally made many friends throughout her life and will be remembered as a strong, caring, kind lady with a good sense of humor. Sally was on the board of the Beaverhead County Museum Association for many years, a member of St. Rose of Lima Parish, volunteering her time at Bargain Basement. Sally and a group of friends formed the Bear Paws ladies walking group and eventually they were known as the Strong Ladies Exercise and Coffee Group. Sally always said, "I have to go to exercise because they say I am their inspiration." At 96 ½ years young she enjoyed the time with her group.

Sally was preceded in death by her husband Richard McEldery, her parents, brothers Jim and John McGuire, sister Katherine Dodge, Grandson Michael Whitworth, and baby Malik Walters Poulton. She is survived by her brother Bill McGuire, her six children Dave (Kathy) McEldery of Plains, Susan (Lary) Poulton of Big Fork, Rick (Joy) McEldery of Seattle, Cooky (Rick) Later of Dillon, Candi Whitworth of Dillon and Tom (Sheryl) McEldery of Dillon. 15 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Rosary and Visitation were on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at Brundage Funeral Home.

Services were on Monday, July 22, 2024, at the St. Rose of Lima Church in Dillon Mont. The service interment was at the Mountain View Cemetery.

Please make donations to: The Hemophiliac Foundation of Montana, the Beaverhead County Humane Shelter, or the Beaverhead County Museum.