Sally Ann Schmelzle, age 87, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family and dear friends on Thursday, January 25th, 2024. She was born on November 15, 1936 in Dubuque, Iowa. The daughter of the late Lester and Hazel (Jungwirth) Willis. She was a 1954 graduate of Freeport High School.  She married Richard (Dick) Schmelzle on May 19, 1956. He passed away May 24, 2015. She and Dick owned and ran Freeport Dye Works; she also worked and retired from Crum and Forster, finishing her career at the Country Lane Pet Lodge as a receptionist.

Sally was a member of the Elks Club and Western Riders. Horses were her passion. She trained them and showed them for many years with her son, Randy. She enjoyed gardening and yard work, especially when she could use her lawnmower and Gator. Most of all she loved her grandchildren and her poodles.

Sally was a very down to earth person, she told it how it was, she selflessly cared for others, and was the diamond of her family.

She is survived by her son Randy Schmelzle of Freeport, her daughters-in-law Lisa VanBrocklin of Florida and Julia Schmelzle of Freeport, three grandchildren Chris (Kayla) Schmelzle, Miranda (Jon) Dittmar, and Savannah Schmelzle all of Freeport, five great-grandchildren Zoie, Kaylee, and Nathan Schmelzle, Breanna Dittmar and Kainin McIlvanie, brothers Robert (Marilyn) Willis of Freeport and James Willis of Missouri, several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Richard, daughter Diane Schmelzle, sister Carol Lorenz, and brother Paul Willis.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 2pm at Walker Mortuary in Freeport with Pastor Keith Johnson presiding. There will be a visitation before the service beginning at 1pm. Interment will take place at Oakland Cemetery in Freeport.

A memorial fund has been established in her name. Condolences may be shared with her family at www.walkermortuary.com.