Sally Oldham

To view the livestream of Sally's memorial service, please click on the "Tribute Wall" above and select watch now. Sally Oldham, 73, of Winterset, Iowa passed away February 22, 2022 after living with Alzheimer’s for many years. Sally Ann Chesnut was born in Des Moines, Iowa on February 26, 1948 to Anjean (Nazett) and Dr. Paul Chesnut. She graduated from Winterset High School in 1966 and attended Lindenwood College before graduating from University of Colorado Boulder in 1970. After college, Sally lived in Europe for several months before returning to teach high school Speech/Drama and English in Rake, Iowa then at Southeast Warren in Liberty Center, Iowa. On February 2, 1974, Sally married David Oldham at the Chesnut family home in Winterset. David and Sally had two children, Courtney and Zachary. Sally spent many years staying home in Des Moines with her children. During that time, she was a Campfire leader, started a cooking co-op with two friends, helped with the family-owned rental properties, worked part-time at the P.E.O. Executive Office, and sold wedding invitations out of her home. In 1995, the family moved from Des Moines to Sally’s childhood home in Winterset. Sally tutored at the elementary school and worked as the Tour Organizer/Director at Union State Bank for 13 years before retiring in 2013. While working at the bank, she organized too many trips to count and traveled the world. Sally also held positions on the Winterset Library Board and the Madison County Historical Society Board. Sally was an active member of P.E.O. both in Des Moines (Chapter LS) and Winterset (Chapter AG) holding officer positions in both chapters. She was also a member of Progressive Study Club and Madison County Antique Club in Winterset. Sally loved Winterset and in 2001, she received the Citizen of the Year award, which gave her bragging rights around her house. Sally had many hobbies over the years including cross-stitch, gardening, reading, baking, and making Ukrainian eggs. She had many collections as well – baby bottles, items from the World’s Columbian Exposition, bunnies, strawberries, and silver spoons to name a few. One of her not-so-hidden talents was playing “Happy Birthday” on her teeth. After Sally’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, in 2014, David retired and cared for her at home, until it became physically and emotionally impossible. During those years, they traveled together to see many “old” friends and places they loved. Looking back, it was as if Sally was on a farewell tour. Sally was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law, Eric Hollen. Left to cherish her memory are her husband, David of Winterset, daughter, Courtney (Rob) Rose of Urbandale, son, Zach of Des Moines, grandchildren, Lainey and Knox Rose, brother, Paul “Chip” (Jeanne) Chesnut of Osceola, Iowa, sister-in-law, Susan Hollen of Waukee, brother-in-law, Craig (Sally) of Johnston, many nieces and nephews, and her beloved lap cat, Doobie.