Sally Joann Harrison

Sally was born on September 28, 1933 to wonderful parents, Nola and Sheldon Huffman in Des Moines, Iowa.

Growing up around the south side of Des Moines, Sally attended Lincoln High School, graduating in 1951. After graduation Sally planned to join the Women’s Navy Reserves, but during an out of state trip with friends she contracted polio. Sally spent time in an iron lung, surviving polio with some leg muscle damage. After recovering, she found work in the office of the downtown Sear’s store where Sally met, fell in love with and married Roger Harrison. After their wedding on September 22, 1956, Sally and Roger moved to Urbandale where she lived for the remainder of her life.

From this union came four children, Connie Tully, Russell (Ellen) Harrison, Nancy (Tom) Economos and Julie (Steve) Greer. From Sally’s four children she was blessed to have 10 grandchildren and 11 great- grandchildren.

Sally enjoyed being a stay at home mother for many years. Eventually Sally returned to the workforce at Ardan’s department store and Comtron.

Although polio affected her physically, it did not affect her outlook on life, her strong determination and her independence. She was an active member of Westkirk Presbyterian Church where she developed many friendships. Sally was an original multi-task person and in later years she could be found at home watching a variety of sports on TV, while listening to either the symphony or an opera and working a crossword puzzle all at the same time.

Music was always an important part of Sally’s life. As a younger woman she played the piano, organ and also sang in the Urbandale United Church of Christ choir. For many years Sally and Roger attended and admired the talents of the Des Moines Symphony and the Metro Opera.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and son-in-law, John Tully.

Sally died April 22, 2020 after a short illness, but remained mentally sharp up until the very end. Private services will be held on Friday, April 24 at Westkirk Presbyterian Church. A recording of the service will be uploaded to www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com. Private family burial at a later date at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Urbandale Food Pantry or Westkirk Presbyterian Church.

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