Sally Hanley Jenkins passed away peacefully on Monday April 21, 2014. Born April 9, 1918 in Fountain, MN, to Frederick and Louise (Erdmann) Garves, she moved to Montana in 1945 and married Richard “Dick” Hanley on September 30, 1947 in Helena, MT. They raised three daughters, Mary Lou, Nancy Kathryn and Peggy Ann while operating a successful business, “Hanley Glass & Paint.” Sally was active with raising her family and managing the family business, yet always made time to volunteer at the school and numerous civic events.
After Dick Hanley passed in 1970, Sally continued with her “Sal’s Handicrafts,” business which she ran for 17 years. On May 22, 1987 she married Don Jenkins and they enjoyed a busy life of travel, family activities and each other’s company. Following Don’s death in 1999 Sally continued to stay active with family, Bridge, Red Hats, AARP and the Helena Cathedral Parish.
Sally left three daughters to celebrate her life — Mary Lou Ender and husband Rick of Scottsdale, Az., Peggy Hanley, Katie Meyer and husband Keith all of Helena. Jeff Dorrington, favorite nephew and wife, Phyllis of Helena. Seven grandchildren; Molly Meyer and Marcus Meyer of Helena, Kurt Racicot (Nicole) of Bozeman, Katie Racicot of Missoula, Angela (Shawn) Racicot-Stennerson of Dillon, Beth McDonnel (Dan) of Chester Springs, PA, and Matthew Ender (Jennifer) of Newton, MA. The joy of her life in recent years has been her ten great grandchildren; Marley, Leila, Drew, Kate, Skyler, Aidan, Nolan, Cynthia, Nathanial and Valerie. Sally is survived by her sister-in-law Peggy Galen of Sun City, Az and several nieces and nephews.
As Sally aged she rarely slowed down and hated to miss a good time. Her greatest wish was to leave this world on her own terms and not linger and her wish was granted. She will be greatly missed but we also have wonderful memories of this bright light she brought into our lives which made us better people.
A vigil will be held at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 29 at 6:00 p.m. A celebration Mass at the Helena Cathedral will be on Wednesday April 30, at noon with a reception at the Montana Club to follow.
A private family burial will take place at Fort Harrison Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to God’s Love in Helena and the Helena Cathedral. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Sally.
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Tuesday April 29, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday April 30, 2014
Cathedral of St. helena
530 N. Ewing
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday April 30, 2014
Montana Club
24 W 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Tuesday April 29, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday April 30, 2014
Cathedral of St. helena
530 N. Ewing
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday April 30, 2014
Montana Club
24 W 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
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Larry and Chris Hoffman says
Sweet Sally. We will always remember our “jazz loving” neighbor with fondness. Such a warm person with a sweet smile who seemed to love everyone. Our Heavenly Father has taken her home. Our prayers and wishes to all of the family.
Glen Cuchine says
Such wonderful memories of a wonderful lady. Sally, who can forget that famous laugh, grand sense of humor and of course the Sally Specialty “Dinner by the Numbers”. My heart is heavy today; but heaven is now in stitches laughing with you as you teach them to make pink feather Christmas trees and serve a Heavenly Feast (by the numbers). I love you, Sally….my thoughts and prayers to your family.
Shirley Cole says
To Sally’s family and friends. I never met a more real, sweet, and funny person before I met Sally. We went to Red Hats together and I always looked to see if a seat was available near where she was sitting. Years ago, she helped me so much with being a Cub Scout Leader. I could count on her to come up with a project my boys could make. Like earring holders out of old bed-springs. Some of the mothers still have them. It was my pleasure and blessing to have you in my live. Rest in Peace dear one, you deserve it.
Mike & Catie Cloninger says
What a dear, dear lady! Grandma Sal was a blessing to all of us and mothered us all as her own! She was a kind, loving lady. We will always cherish our memories of you, Sally! Love you, Sally!
Mike and Diane Langenfus says
There will never be enough space or words to truly tell Sally’s story. She was so full of life, loved laughter and never failed to have a story. She gave new meaning to the Rum in Rumcake, and always opened her home for a gathering of friends with one onhand. Her daughters were the light of her life and she knew and welcomed their friends like family of her own. Her life will continue to be celebrated for many years to come as she left behind sprinkles of laughter that can never be forgotten. Happy trails to you now Sally…….
leona johnston says
I will always remember you with awe and wonder
As in I wonder what will she do next?
Where did all those feathers go? It was such fun.
God Bless You Sally, rest in peace.
Connie Anders says
To Mary Lou and Family: Why is it that we think that some people will live forever? I never thought my parents would be gone, and I too thought your sweet, wonderful mom was to live on till the end of time. Their generation was a truly special one…… one that built individuals who were hard workers, and hard players. They were kind and generous. Humorous and loving. Always there for you, and for anyone that needed them.
I have been learning with the passing of both of my parents and a brother, that they truly do live on forever in the memories that they have given us. How wonderful that we can continue to have them. I know Sally has helped you to be a better person, and the world a better place for many, many people. She truly is a sweetheart!!! Much love to you and all of your family.
Billie & Jack Dunn says
We wiill miss seeing you when we return home from Phoenix this year and will always remember the fun times we enjoyed with you and Don at the Elks and in your home.
Billie remebers you and Dick from the years you had your shop across the street from Safeway on Front St. The girls were pretty little back then. We have many special memories from our times with you that we will always cherrish.
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
Stacey Klukluk says
So sorry to hear of Sally, Sal’s, passing. It was fun trading recipes with her and I loved it when she called me Stace as no one else could get away with it.
I hope my older years will be as fun. She had an infectious smile and a fun loving attitude.
I will be think of the family on her service day and wish them many wonderful memories of this wonderful soul. Will miss you Sally!
Penney Eathorne Sey says
Mary Lou, Peggy and Katie and their Families:
So very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. She was a very special person, wife, mother and friend to everyone. Genuine and kind with a great sense of humor. So many wonderful memories that we shared at “the lake” and one could not ask for a better neighbor. I enjoyed Christmas all the more when we were invited to the house to see the yearly feather Christmas tree created by your mother. She was artistic, crafty and amazing. A true gift to all. Yes, we’ll be sadder without her but better human beings for knowing her. Thank you for sharing her with me and all the good times and friendship through the years. May all those wonderful memories sustain you and give you peace. Bless you all. Love, Penney
Mary Purnell says
Sally lit-up the room as she entered it, everyone so enjoyed her.
She will be missed at our Red Hat dinners.
Love and God Bless
Mary
Julie Pedersen Smith says
Mary Lou, Peggy and Katie,
Just wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Weren’t we all so lucky to grow up during a time when all of our parents were so involved in our lives and our school activities. Your Mom was an important part of my memories of growing up in Helena.
Molly & Bill Hobgood says
Dearest Hanley girls & families,
As many have said, we were blessed with parents who loved us unconditionally. That was certainly true of Sally. All of you are a reflection of her. And all of us who were fortunate to be part of your family’s life will always carry a part of Sally’s love with us.
LILA HARNETT says
Lou, Rick,
I send you condolences and love. I enjoyed being with Sally when she was here in Arizona. She had a lovely personality and I admired her independent spirit. I suspect she left you a lifetime of sweet memories. Lila
Janet Campbell & Jules Harrell says
Mary Lou, Peggy & Katie,
We share with the others so many fond memories of your mother and your family as a vital part of the special group of folk that shaped our formative years. We hope and pray that all of the memories great and small, the people whose lives she touched, her wisdom, humor, faith and strength of character will provide much comfort during these days.
Janet & Jules