Sally Sweeney

He took her hand and took away the pain and led her to her heavenly home. Sally Ann Sweeney, 78, of Urbandale, Iowa entered into eternal peace April 2, 2023 surrounded by her family. Sally was born June 22, 1944 in Fort Dodge, Iowa to Raymond and Katherine Foster. Sally met her only love, Kenneth J. Sweeney at a teen dance in 1957 and they later married on December 26, 1960 in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Ken and Sally spent 56 years together until his death in 2017, raising their five children and loving on their grandchildren and great grandchildren. Sally liked nothing better than to have all the kids and grandkids over for a meal. She loved the noise and commotion of family around.

Sally liked the St. Louis Cardinals, Cyclone basketball and golf no matter who was playing. She was very talented and creative; painting, cake decorating, holiday crafts and making quilts for family, friends and sometimes strangers. Sally loved to bake and garden and she was gifted and patient at teaching her grandchildren and others her crafty skills. She cherished her time with her life-long girlfriends whenever they could get together.

Sally ran a daycare in her home for 23 years and then retired to take care of her own grandchildren. Alongside her husband, Sally was very involved with Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Urbandale, serving wherever she was needed.

Sally had a stroke in 2003, leaving her dependent on others for many of her everyday needs. Even through her disability, she continued to stay involved with all her activities and volunteering. Ken and Sally were mentors to other families with stroke victims through Stroke Club. Sally had many supportive friends who continued to support her. The last two years of her life Sally lived in a nursing home and despite her pain and suffering continued to try and help others by encouraging other residents and sharing her books and snacks.

Sally was a great wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, and will forever be remembered for her kindness, but also funny stories from her ornery side.

Sally will be missed by her children, Scott (Libby) Sweeney of Urbandale, Regina (Don) Vestal of Johnston, Marisa Beal of Urbandale and Janell Sweeney of Urbandale; grandchildren, Randy Sweeney, Abby (Andy) Cox, Pamela (Jeff) Kirklin, Stephanie (Matt) Winter, Jared Ennis, Brady Ennis, Kendra Vestal, Tayler (Tyler) Huls, Madison (Jon) Kelly, Ian Beal, Sidney Beal, Jackson Beal, Mallory Beal and Nelson Thomas; great grandchildren, Oliver and Logan Sweeney, Kennedy and Kole Kirklin, Daxton Reeser, Oliver, Emma and Charlotte Winter, Laney and Briley Danielson, Dempsey, Oaklyn and Penny Huls, and Lila Kelly. Also left to cherish her memory are her sisters Sharon (Gerald) Slotten, Raynette (Tom) McGonegle and Sandra Gobeli; sister in laws Janiece Foster and Genese Sweeney along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Kenneth Sweeney; son Ted Sweeney; sister Marlene Brockman; brothers Gail Foster, Marvin Foster and John Ball.

Visitation will be from 4-6pm on Thursday, April 6, 2023 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Urbandale. Celebration of Life services will be held on Friday, April 7, at 10am at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Urbandale. Memorial contributions can be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church.