Sally Ann Sprout Mallard, a beloved matriarch and community figure, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2025. She was surrounded by her husband, Clayton Mallard, and daughters, Jennifer and Gwendolyn, at the time of her death. Born on September 8, 1936, Sally was known for her unwavering dedication to family, friends, and her community.
Sally grew up in Torrance, California, where she attended both elementary and high school. It was in the 10th grade at Torrance High School that she met Clayton, who would become her partner for life. After studying for two years at Whittier College, the couple married on August 5, 1956. They enjoyed an enduring marriage that lasted an impressive 69 years, creating a loving family environment that brought joy to all who entered their home.
Throughout her life, Sally excelled in various roles, from a skilled homemaker to an active community member. She was renowned for her abilities in sewing, cooking, and baking, and she hosted gatherings that left guests feeling cherished. The couple’s life journey took them from Atlanta, Georgia, to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and finally back to Tustin, California, before retiring to Fallbrook, California, in 2002. Each location allowed Sally to forge lasting friendships and maintain connections with those she met along the way.
Sally was deeply involved in her church and was known for her kind and thoughtful nature. Her passion for bridge was evident as she taught the game in Iowa and participated in neighborhood groups in Tustin, continuing to play at the Fallbrook Senior Center until recent months.
In her thirties, Sally took up tennis, joining the Fallbrook Tennis Club after her retirement. Her active lifestyle mirrored her commitment to maintaining relationships, including her friendship with club owner Dorothy Roth and her husband, Russ.
Reflecting on her life, Sally noted several highlights, including the birth of her four daughters and the weddings of each daughter and their spouses. The arrival of grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her immense joy, and she cherished the celebrations she organized for family gatherings, holiday dinners, and baby showers.
Among the memorable occasions was her 50th wedding anniversary, a celebration that reunited her with loved ones, including Leonora Costales-Cabesa, an Ecuadorian AFS student who lived with the Mallard family from 1976 to 1977. This reunion exemplified her ability to foster connections that lasted a lifetime.
Sally is survived by her husband, Clayton, and their daughters: Rebecca Mallard (Debbie), Gwendolyn Wilson, Jennifer Artunian (Mike), and Cynthia Swift (Larry). She leaves behind a legacy of love through her grandchildren, including Spencer, Anastasia, Taylor, Dylan, Amanda, Farren, Nicolette, and Rachel, as well as great-grandchildren Londyn, Pharaoh, and Treasure. Her three sisters, Peggy Olivier, Jeannie Beard, and Linda Redderson, along with numerous nieces and nephews, also survive her.
A memorial service to honor Sally’s life will be held on January 3, 2026, at 11 AM at Christ the King Church in Fallbrook. Friends and family are invited to join in remembering a vibrant and loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend. Sally will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
