Sally Ann Martin Van Ry's Obituary
Sally Ann Martin Van Ry, age 54, returned to her heavenly home on 18 December 2020. She was born on 31 December 1965 in Chicago Heights, Illinois to Jacqueline Bleimehl Martin and Wendell Martin.
Sally was the first daughter born into the Martin family and was always the princess to her brothers. She loved being on stage and she made her life a grand production. She successfully coerced many others to join her in whatever dramatic ideas she had and raised the quality of life to the next level for anyone blessed enough by her love, laughter and friendship.
Sally enjoyed traveling and worked as a travel agent for many years. She moved to Utah in 1990 where after making many cherished friends, eventually met and married her husband, Michael Van Ry. They were sealed in the Manti, Utah temple on 4 February 1995 and together raised five amazing children. They first welcomed Harrison to their family and through foster care found their other 4 children Elena, Elizabeth, Grace and Daniel. Sally welcomed many children into her home and embraced them with love and a safe and fun place to rest until they found their permanent families. She also counted Antonio as a special foster son. Sally kept her kids on their toes with her pranks and amazing sense of humor. She always made the holidays special for everyone. The Halloween costumes she made for her children were Broadway worthy.
Her life changed when her grandchildren were born. Madix and Piper were her greatest motivation to overcome her health challenges. She gave them her whole heart and they filled her life with joy. She left before her newest granddaughter Layla was born. We know she was so excited to meet her first and cover her with angel kisses before she comes to live with us.
Sally was a devoted daughter and sister. She was devastated by the loss of her father earlier this year and we know she was welcomed into his arms as she left her earthly home. She loved to chat with family on the phone. She was especially good to her mother who she called several times a day. When we would gather frequently as a family, Sally loved to reminisce and would remind everyone of the wonderful memories we created together. She kept our family “Martin Strong”.
Sally has left behind a rich legacy of tradition for her family to follow. She taught them loyalty to one another, to support each other, have more fun, how to take a joke and how to make one. She taught them how to work hard and take responsibility for their choices. Her family was everything to her! She lived a simpler, slower pace than most of us. She treasured time at home with her family and truly understood what mattered most in life. While she is no longer with her family here and we feel such a deep hole in our hearts, we know she continues her family relationships on the other side of the veil. She is a guardian angel to her children and grandchildren and we are sure she is organizing a grand production with the rest of our family to welcome us home when it’s our turn. Our lives and the lives of many are forever changed because of you, Sally. We count every day with you as a blessing.
Sally is survived by her husband, Michael Van Ry, daughter Elena (Drew) Davis, daughter Elizabeth Van Ry, son Harrison Van Ry, daughter Grace Van Ry, son Daniel Van Ry, mother Jacqueline Bleimehl Martin, sisters Amy (Bryan) Bone, Jill (Brian) Duncan, brothers Wendell (Jackie) Martin, Russell (Virginia) Martin, Daniel (Jo) Martin, and Jeffrey (Tara) Martin. She was preceded in death by her hero and father Wendell Glen Martin and her friend and mother in law Joy Van Ry. She is also survived by many nephews and nieces who considered her their favorite aunt.
A viewing will be held on 1 January 2021 from 12-2 pm at Wiscombe Memorial, 47 S Orange Street Suite B-5, Salt Lake City, Utah. Following the viewing, an intimate memorial service will be held at the Bone home at three pm, 613 Scenic Hills Drive, North Salt Lake. Indoor and outdoor social distancing will be honored.
The Martin family wishes to express a deep thanks to the Van Ry children for taking care of their mother’s every need while she was ill. They lifted every burden they possibly could for her and sacrificed many personal comforts. They have been her rock and we know she was so sad to leave them. Our gratitude also to the neighbors and ward members of Fruit Heights who have welcomed and strengthened the Van Ry family through every trial. Sally called them her ministering angels.
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