Sally Frances Ward

Sally Frances Ward June 10, 1947 – August 4, 2026 Sally Frances Ward passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, in Newberg, Oregon, at the age of 79. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, to John and Audrey Cherry, Sally spent her early years in Belle Meade before moving with her family to Los Angeles at age 13. She fell in love with California life—thriving in her academics, diving into school activities, surfing, as she got older she loved dancing and spending time in Hollywood. It was in LA where she met David Grove and welcomed her first two children, Yvette and David Jr. She later married Russ Ward, and together they moved the family to Oregon, welcoming their son, AJ (Adam), in 1978. Sally had a servant’s heart. She loved people fiercely and gave generously to others, even when she needed help herself. Right up to the end, she was looking out for her fellow residents at Willow Place. Her faith was central to her life, and she was always deeply involved in her church and Bible study communities. A lifelong learner, Sally had a deep passion for education and studied psychology whenever she could return to school. She loved books and read to continually learn. Over the years, she worked in the mortgage industry and administrative roles, and later at Safeway—where to this day, regular customers still look for her line. Above everything else, family was Sally’s greatest joy. Her proudest accomplishments in life were her three children and five grandchildren, and she worked tirelessly to keep family connections strong across generations of the Cherry Family. Family Sally is reunited in rest with her parents, John Herbert Cherry and Audrey Mary Cherry, and her siblings, John Herbert Cherry Jr. and Mary Elizabeth "Libby" Cherry. She is survived by her sisters, Laura Evelyn Cherry and Nancy Lee Cherry; her children, Yvette Diane Grove, David Carl Grove Jr., and AJ (Adam) Ward; and her beloved grandchildren, Alex Alfonso, Jack Alfonso, Keeley Grove, Ashlyn Grove, and Evelyn Grove. Service Details A Celebration of Life will be held to honor Sally’s legacy: Date: Sunday, August 23, 2026 Time: 1:00 PM (a small reception will follow) Location: Gaston Seventh-day Adventist Church https://www.paperlesspost.com/go/zJqL2MvfDBRzNRUjEgbm7 Memorial Donations In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gaston Seventh-day Adventist Church or to one of the following organizations close to her heart: Cottages United (United Way MWV): https://unitedwaymwv.org/program/cottages-united Fresh Artists: https://www.freshartists.org/

Sally Frances Ward

June 10, 1947 - August 4, 2026