Sally Fasnacht

Sally Ann Sloan Fasnacht, age 86, completed her earthly journey on August 22, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. Sally was born on December 31, 1929 in Kansas City, Missouri to Clarence Thomas "Todd" Sloan and Gail Lindsey Sloan. Sally, an only child, was educated in Kansas City, Missouri, where she resided in and around for most of the first fifty years of her life, as well as Lake Tapawingo near Blue Springs, Missouri.

Sally had great respect and admiration for her ancestors and loved to share their stories and lore. She was especially influenced as a child by her maternal grandmother Sarah. Following her mother's death in 1945, Sally was particularly nurtured by her mother's eldest sister, Mabel. During this time the seeds for her strong faith in God were planted and she was introduced to the teachings of the Church of Christ, Scientist.

Similar to her parents, Sally used her skills with details and numbers to pursue office employment. Sally had great fashion sense and style; her carriage and bearing implied a more refined upbringing than her humble roots. She was also a gifted homemaker during her dozen-year marriage to engineer, John Charles Fasnacht. Relatives would remark on her picture-perfect presentation of meals and magazine-like decorating talents. Her artistic gifts blossomed during classes at Kansas City Art Institute, where she refined her talent for oil painting. Following separation from John, Sally furthered her education and returned to secretarial work while raising daughter Linda. As family members aged, Sally often took them in and provided loving home care.

The late 1970s took Sally west to Denver, Colorado so as to be near daughter Linda and husband Dan. Sally loved the relaxed and open western spirit and these years were highlighted with family gatherings. Birth of grandson Charlie delighted Sally and a special bond was always shared between these two. Sally so loved Colorado that she stayed even when Linda, Dan and Charlie returned to the Kansas City area.

Sally's conversations and letters always began in gracious thankfulness. She expressed herself through romanticized and poetic phrases, yet spoke with formal and antiquated terms. She was fascinated with words and definitions so much that she avidly read, not simply referred to, the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Sally loved musical plays and "picture shows" and had once owned a baby-grand piano. Her clever organization featured eyelet and grosgrain ribbon-tied bundles. Sally found beauty everywhere she looked, but especially in nature. Though Sally had developed strength of will and spirit, she loved animals and seemed to share their vulnerable innocence.

Sally personified humility, yet her meek presence was impactful even after brief acquaintance. Though compromised by mental anguish, she had a childlike sense of humor and joy in life. Sally revered God and was an avid student of the Bible and of Mary Baker Eddy and Christian Science teachings. She often quoted the Bible, honored Biblical traditions and was especially guided by the Golden Rule and the Beatitudes. Sally was a seeker of God's truth and said: "The Bible is the recipe book for health, peace and happiness if one follows the rules and laws." Sally so yearned to teach and protect others from the tough experiences she had encountered and was in constant prayerful support of the family she so loved.

Sally is survived by daughter Linda Sue Fasnacht Dieter, her husband Daniel Lyle Dieter and grandson Charles Jackson "Charlie" Dieter. We are especially thankful for the extraordinarily compassionate and respectful assistance provided for nearly two decades by Francis Heights independent living of the Franciscan Ministries.

In keeping with Sally's reserved and humble nature, the celebration of her life and memorial service will be private. Sally's life could be honored by your support of any Bible-based cause or charity.

May God's loving arms enfold you, the apple of His eye, and may you soar high in peace with your angel wings, Dearest Momma!