Sally Susan (French) Mastin, 89, earned her place in heaven in the early morning hours of January 3rd, surrounded by family. Sally passed quietly from cancer hastened by the effects of COVID-19.
Born in Portland, Ore. to Jack and Letha French, Sally grew up on the family ranch in Long Creek, Ore. Her ranch roots inspired and solidified her love of animals along with her unending desire for adventure and life-long learning. Sally often spoke of family trips to “the big city” of Portland and laughed, saying she had to choose between a movie or dinner of steamed clams – the clams usually won.
These early years of adventure and learning included summers of riding horses and helping with sheep in the mountains. Sally would never let on that she had allergies as that meant she might have to stay home. She loved her time on the ranch, but her parents intrinsically knew the value of education and sent her to a boarding school in Pendleton. While being away from home was difficult, this is where Sally met her lifelong friends and cemented her faith in God. These friendships persevered and were rekindled in her later years with annual trips to Pendleton, often with her adult children along to witness the sources of their mother’s adventurous spirit and steadfast faith.
Sally was very much a pioneer for women, believing there really was nothing she could not do, and lived a life based on optimism. In her early adulthood, she traveled to Cuba with several classmates and remarked on the beauty of the tropical island. With her love of travel, Sally took an interest in aviation first, by earning her private pilot license, which then turned into a life-long career working for United Airlines.
Sally attended Stephens College in St. Louis, Mo. and then graduated with a business degree from Oregon State University. Upon graduation Sally began her career with United Airlines in Pendleton and quickly found herself living in Denver where she met and married Harlan Mastin. With the union of Harlan and Sally in 1960, a new 49-year, crazy adventure began. Through much trial and error this duo managed through both the good and the bad that comes with marriage, family and love. After Harlan’s stroke Sally tirelessly cared for her husband for 30 years, until his death in 2009. She never wavered in her commitment. This was simply Sally – integrity, passion and fierce love. She modeled grace, compassion and kindness.
Sally retired from United Airlines in Great Falls, MT. after a 30-year career in customer service and moved on to her next chapter as The Avon Lady {can you hear the ding-dong?}, combining her business acumen and amiability. This adventure continued for 25 years and created many lasting friendships.
Sally was truly a giver. In her retirement Sally quietly dedicated her time and energy to her community and family. She spent years helping with funeral luncheons, reading with kids in the classroom and providing support to those in need in whatever way she could. Sally adored her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, in whom her spirit lives on.
Sally is survived by her four children: Joe (Sue Page) Mastin of Florida; Julie (Jeff Packard) Lake Como, Italy; Patty (Bill Ramsay) of Helena, Montana; and Kathy Mastin of Helena, Montana, along with six grandchildren: Tate (Amy), Aimee (Matt), Alex (Courtney), Ben, Brad (Jolyn) and Brent (Mandy)and five great-grandchildren Dakota, Nash, Bijou, Clara and William.
We will remember this quiet, kind, loving woman with the purple streak by often repeating – with deep meaning and laughter – her famous “Sally-isms.” As you sit and share a glass of with those you love, remember Sally, be present in the moment and relish “what a good life we lead.”
To honor Sally’s memory, let someone who is struggling know that they are loved and not alone.
Sally’s family will hold a family funeral mass on 1/20/21 and celebration of life when the pandemic has slowed.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Angel says
I will miss the sweet lady with the purple streak. Beautiful soul.
Bobby Lavinder says
Patty and family, I am heartbroken to see this!!! God bless you all! As you know, I haven’t been able to visit and enjoy my sweet silly Sally in a long time!! I will miss her sweet smile and cute wit. She was so very special to me! I will miss her so much!
Kimberly Doherty says
I’m so sorry for your loss. I believe my Mom and Dad went to school with Sally in Pendleton. My father Eddie Doherty passed away in July 2020 and Mother Nancy (Swanson) Doherty in 2018. When I was in high school my Dad had me write Sally a letter about how to get a job with the airlines. She wrote back with great information! Now I’ve been in the airlines for 36 Years!
I thank Sally for all her wisdom! And you know my Mom and Dad enjoyed flying all over the world! RIP Sally❤️
JEFF PACKARD says
Without a doubt, Sally was the sweetest gal on the planet. Her daughters have much to be proud of in the memory of all she was. I am lucky to have shared many wonderful moments with her. She will be greatly missed by all that knew her. RIP…
Margaret says
What a lovely lady Sally was. Truly a joyful spirit! I was truly blessed to meet her at Cooney Apple Rehab, when my mother-in-law was there in Summer/Fall of 2019. I loved her laughter & many stories, but mostly the sharing of our Catholic faith. May your beautiful soul rest in Peace Sally+++
Rose Pachl says
Sally was a great lady who I was fortunate to get to know during the years we sold avon .She was delight at our avon meetings & luncheons. May she rest in peace .
Mike Sexton says
Mike Sexton
I got to know Sally through my friendship with her brother Pete; who unfortunately left us many years ago. Sally was a very sweet lady and especially kind to us younger friends of Pete. One summer she lent her new 58 Corvette to Pete and between working the alpha fields, he and I had a great time driving all over Oregon. What a great big sister. God Bless Sally.