Scarlette Sally Cossaart passed away peacefully at her home on Jan. 26, 2012, surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was 67 years old.
Known to many as “Mustang Sal,” Sally was an original Montana character. She embraced a passionate life with a fearless sense of humor. Her freckled face, infectious smile and distinctive chuckle were cherished by one and all.
Sally was born in Helena on Dec. 5, 1944, the third child of Lucille and Benjamin “Bennie” Holmes. Her early years were spent attending St. Helena Elementary School. She was known for her exceptional athletic abilities and spent many hours playing baseball and football with the neighborhood boys on the courthouse lawn. Paving the way for many to follow, she was the first girl to be allowed to play on the boys Little League team in Helena.
After attending Helena High School, Sally and her family relocated to California. Sally graduated from beauty school and began her new career as a cosmetologist in Redwood City, Calif. It was there that she met Boggy Ussery, an airman in the Navy. They were married and had a son, Rhett Ussery. After her divorce, Sally moved with Rhett to Lincoln, Neb. While in Lincoln, she found love again when she met and married Jerry Cossaart before returning to Helena.
Sally was a true adventurer. She loved traveling to Mexico and spending countless hot summer nights camping at Chinaman’s Gulch with her faithful pug, Baxter, at her side, Sally cherished the time she spent with her family, especially her granddaughter, Alivia. She never missed an episode of the “Sopranos” or “The Golden Girls” and enjoyed country western-music and her collection of owls. Mustang Sal did it all!
Sally was preceded in death by her mother, Lucille Holmes; her father, Benjamin “Bennie” Holmes; her husband, Jerry Cossaart; her sister, Julie Proul; her nephew, Joseph Proul; and her dear friend, Little Bit.
Sally is survived by her son, Rhett (Yvonne) Ussery of Rancho Cordova, Calif.; her granddaughter, Alivia Ussery Tempe, Ariz.; her brother, William (Joanne) Holmes of Helena; her sister, Bridgette Mazurek of Helena. She was “Aunt Sal” to several nieces and nephews including, Vicki (Steve) Lohman of Helena, Daniel Proul of Spokane, Wash., Shelly Proul of Portland, Ore., Heather Holmes of Redwood City, Calif., Jennifer (Craig) Thomas of San Mateo, Calif., Will Holmes of San Francisco, Zachary Holmes of Bozeman and Dillon Mazurek of Helena; as well as nine great- nieces and nephews, Jaela, Paris, Joseph, Paige, Joselyn, Harrison, Justus, Brett and Jack.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Donations may be sent to Hospice of St. Peter’s or Fort Harrison Hospital. To offer condolences or share a memory of Sally please visit, www.retzfuneralhome.com.
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Cindy Henderson says
I am so sorry to hear about Aunt Sal (thank u Alivia) for giving me the chance to tell her thank u for being there for me and that I loved her. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs to all of the family. May your memories keep you smiling and may God help you thru this difficult time. Love you all.
Allen & Glenda says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the Holmes family, God Bless Sal,
flossie shaw says
Rhett, Alivia and the Holmes family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. She loved you all so much.
Tara Fredriksen says
Very sorry for the loss of Sally.
Sincerest condolences to Rhett and his family. May you all find the peace that passes all understanding. With much compasion, Tara~
Gerry S Pace says
When I think about Sally I remember my first meeting her at St.Helena Grade School in 6th grade. I had transferred from Clancy Grade School and fancied myself as quite a tomboy.
Quickly I realized Sally was much tougher than I. What a character!! She was a good soul. Even then she was by your side when you needed her. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Gerry Stubblefield Pace
Jennifer Holmes Thomas says
Love to ALL of my family in Montana. I wish I was there with you. Crazy Aunt Sal will truly be missed.
Love, Jennifer, Craig, Bret and Jack
Tiger, Shane, Crissy, Bubba Albracht says
So sorry to hear about Sally. She has touch a lot of our lives and we’ll never forget. My thought are with ya Rhett, Alivia and Sally’s whole family and good friends (Shimmer +) I’ll always remember our good times on the gulch. Sally did it her way love ya all and remember all the good times it helps get threw this difficult times. Love ya all Tiger
flossie shaw says
Rhett, Alivia and the Holmes family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. She loved you all so much.
Hedy Rose Westburg says
For as long as I’ve known Sally she always had smile for you.
Sally always said her greatest treasure was her son Rhett. She was so proud of the man he had become.
When I heard of Sally’s passing my heart was filled with the greatest sadness for her family and friends.
Sally was loved and she will be missed by all who knew her.
LaRain Romero says
Rhett, Alivia, Polly, Vicki, and the rest of the family, I was sad to hear about my dear friend Sally. She was such a strong woman, I will miss her smile and laughter. My prayers and thoughts are with you all. Rest in Peace Sally. God Bless you. LaRain Romero
Nina Martello says
I was sorry to hear of Sally passing. She was a wonderful person and I enjoyed being her friend. We shared some good times and laughed alot. I will miss her. To her family she will always be your “guardian angel” and will always watch over you. You are in my prayers.
Gus and Karolee Weickum says
I am so sorry for you huge loss. Sal will be misses but I am thankful for all the Great memories. We love you and are thinking of you all.
Fred and Judy Bakke says
We are thinking about all of Sally’s family and send our sympathies to all of you. Sally will be remembered with a smile when thought of. God Bless Sally and all of you.
Shirley (Stanich) Johnson says
I was a little girl when I first met Sally as her family and mine were friends. We went to school together and over the years when I’d come home to visit I would run into Sally somewhere and we’d get caught up. I also remember when my Mom died Sally came to the reception at the house to pay her respects. Yes, she did live life to the fullest and I’m very certain will be greatly missed!
Steve Freeburg says
To the family, So sorry to hear about the passing of Sally, I have very fond memories of her. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Steve
Tracie Tomcheck says
I will remember Sally forever & I miss her so much. It’s a huge loss, my thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. I hope we will all find a way to move on without her – won’t be easy.
Megan Peterson- Genthner says
I love u aunt sal and will miss u forever thank you for all the wonderful memorys.
Cindi & Leo George says
We were so sorry to hear of Sally’s passing and wished we could have been there for the celebration of her life. She will be missed so very much.
Sally lived life to the fullest as I am sure she will be soaring with the eagles and the Angels in spirit.
The true love of Sal’s life was her son Rhett, she was so proud of the wonderful person is his. Always know that Sally will be close in spirit-watching over her family she held so dear to her heart.
Hearfelt prayers to all of Sally’s family…we will miss her.
Leo & Cindi George