Sally Funkhouser

Sally Funkhouser viewed her role as Mom as both her highest calling and her greatest blessing. She was known for her selfless love not only within her family, but also within the community she called home throughout the majority of her life. Sally was the rock of her family. She was there for her children throughout their lives in whatever way was needed. Life came full circle for her when grandchildren arrived - there was nothing she treasured more than being with the family she cherished. Although she will be deeply missed, Sallys timeless legacy that is deeply rooted in love, selfless devotion, and unconditional acceptance will be carried on by those who follow her. During the mid-1940, when the world was at war, a young couple from Muskegon, Michigan, was able to shift their focus to a joyous time within their family with the birth of their healthy baby girl on February 13, 1943. Sally Ann was the second of four children born to her parents, Thomas and Geraldine (Ryder) Shannon. Thomas worked at Continental Motors while Geri was a fantastic homemaker and care-taker of her mother and Aunt. Sally was raised in the family home on Palmer Avenue alongside her older sister, Nancy, and her younger siblings, Jeri and Mark. As neighbors, Sally was able to become especially close to her Grandma Ryder, who taught her the art of cooking and baking. She was blessed to have both sets of loving grandparents on Palmer Avenue. Sally loved riding the trolley downtown with her Grandma Ryder to go shopping. Sally developed and nurtured many talents during her school years. She learned how to play the flute, write beautiful compositions, and cheerlead while attending Bunker School. From there Sally went on to Muskegon High School where she was in the marching band. She became First Chair early and this lead her to an offer of a full ride scholarship from MSU, during her senior year. But her years at MHS also that guided her to meeting the man of her dreams. He was a fellow band member named Jacob Jeff Funkhouser, and he was three years her senior. Sally and Jeff began dating and became high school sweethearts. Their love continued to blossom as he graduated and went off to the University of Michigan, and they learned how to cope with a long distance relationship. With a desire to establish a life together, Sally and Jeff were married on February 4, 1960, just week after she graduated from high school. The newlyweds settled into married housing at Pittsfield Village in Ann Arbor while Jeff finished his undergraduate and masters degree in Education. Together they welcomed two children into their hearts and home during this time: Annie in 1962, and Jacob Jay IV in 1963, and they were extremely happy! After completing his education, Jeff accepted a teaching position at Mona Shores High School, and the family returned to Muskegon. It was there that their family was completed with Sarahs birth in 1965. They initially settled in Roosevelt Park, but they later moved into a new home that Sally and Jeff designed on Applewood Lane. It was a great place for their children to grow up as they had a big playroom with a chalkboard wall, bike trails in the backyard, and a Conestoga wagon in the yard, and a basketball court in the backyard. Since Sally was a fantastic cook, everyday meals and Thanksgiving feasts were perfection! She was also a wonderful seamstress who made huge pillows for the kids to sit on while watching television. She embroidered designs on her childrens clothes by hand and made matching outfits for the girls. Later in life, her grandchildren and some nieces would receive Raggedy Ann dolls Sally created by hand, with special touches on each dolls heart. The love in their home was tangible and laughter heard often. Sally and Jeff had several friends, and there were fun-filled neighborhood parties with all of the parents and kids. Others were created from Cursillo and church gatherings. Friend gatherings would include hands of Bridge, which Sally learned to play well from her parents; joke telling, and the simple pleasures of being with great company. One of the things that made Sally such an extraordinary mom was how she supported her kids in whatever they did. Sally was a great listener because she kept an open mind and never passed judgment, which meant that her children felt comfortable talking to her about anything. These were also skills that she passed on to her children. Her door was always open and so were her heart and mind. Sally was a great listener because she kept an open mind and never passed judgment, which meant that her children felt comfortable talking to her about anything. These were also skills that she passed on to her children. Hugs were always freely given, and Sally did not allow fake apologies. She worked as a volunteer supporting human rights in a variety of ways. She often privately helped those in need and was a member of Cursillo. Sally became passionate about the Catholic faith during the 1970s and joined St. Francis deSales Catholic Church where she served as the Chair of the liturgy committee for many years. In 1995 she was awarded with the Liberty Bell Award. She had been integral in the development of Every Woman's Place, the Westshore Dispute Resolution Center, and Muskegons Friend of the Court System. Sally additionally served as the coordinator and presider for Muskegon County Cooperating Churches and Habitat for Humanity. Later in life Sally continued to embrace the days she was given, for life was not without times of trial and pain. She continually carried herself with grace and unending courage even after a car accident left her with chronic back pain and problems; and later a disease of the muscles. Although, at times this left her unable to volunteer and participate in the things she loved, she never let it get her down and continued to seek avenues where she could provide help. When Annes husband died, Jeff and Sally took her in, and when Jeff passed away, Annie became a huge support for her mom. Through the life she lived each day, Sally Funkhouser made a significant impact in the world around her. She was an incredible catalyst for many programs in the Muskegon area, and she believed in giving without condition. As Judge William Marietti stated when she received the Liberty Bell Award, The name Sally Funkhouser is ubiquitous. It comes up all the time. The impact she has on so many things in this community is just remarkable. Sally was the rock of her family, a loving wife, a nurturing, accepting, and intelligent mom; and a loving grandmother. She will be deeply missed and warmly remembered. Sally Ann Funkhouser died on January 13, 2014. Sallys family includes her son, Jacob "Jay" (Faye) Funkhouser IV of Olmsted Falls OH; daughters, Anne (Paul , deceased) Sheppard & Sarah (Steve) Barnard, of Muskegon MI; granddaughters, Shannon, Molly, & Maggie Barnard; seven step-grandchildren; siblings, Nancy (Frank) Cereska of Muskegon MI; Jeri (Reed, deceased) Masser of Muskegon MI; brother, Mark (Evonne) Shannon of Houston TX; and many nieces, nephews, very close cousins, and friends. Sally was preceded in death by her husband, Jacob III; parents, Thomas & Gerry Shannon; and many special friends. Services will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2014, 11:00 a.m. and visitation one hour prior to the service at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Fr. Jack Lagoe officiating. Memorials can be made to Muskegon County Cooperating Churches / Mona Shores' Funkhouser Scholarship. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.