Sally Dee Smith

Sally Dee Smith, formally from Rochester, Minn., peacefully passed away at Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

She was born to Richard and Betty Young (Olson) in Des Moines, Iowa, on December 5, 1945. She grew up in Clarion, Iowa where her father was the doctor in town and her mother a nurse.

She graduated with a Master’s in Elementary Education from Iowa State University and later moved to Rochester, Minn., to pursue her teaching job in various local schools, including but not limited to: Marion Township School, Sunset Terrace, Harriet Bishop, Folwell, and later, at Bamber Valley. She worked within the Rochester Public School district for over 37 years and had a passion for children and helping them become great students. She cared deeply for each student who passed through her doors.

Sally was an active crafter and held a booth at many local craft shows, as crafting was her true passion in life. She was active in the Rochester Kennel Club and held many positions within the club including president of the club for a time. She raised Shetland sheepdogs, which was a favorite breed of hers, and deeply loved and cared for all dogs in her care. She also had a passion for horses growing up and regularly trained and showed her horses Solomon and Shane whom she cared for. She also loved motorcycles and had a passion for riding. Sally was an avid bird watcher, always ready with the Minnesota Bird Field Guide and some binoculars. She enjoyed feeding birds at her farm. In particular, she had a love for Baltimore orioles, Indigo buntings, hummingbirds, and all species of woodpeckers. She loved watching old westerns, Antiques Roadshow and American Pickers with her three-legged German Shepherd, Lady, who showed up at the farm one day and never left her side. She loved antiques and rustic decor. Her farm was always accompanied by the sound of wind chimes.

Sally was a true kindred spirit. She loved all of her family and friends she had made throughout the years. She was always happy and happy to help anyone who may need it, even if just for the company and conversation.

She had a kind heart and was deeply loved by all who met her enthusiastic and loving heart. 

She moved to the country later in life, close to retiring from her teaching position near Chatfield, Minn., to a farm. She always dreamed of living in the country. 

Later her daughter and family moved in with her to be closer to her and she enjoyed cooking meals for her family and was an excellent cook. She would spend hours making bone broth for her much loved chicken noodle soup. 

She also loved spoiling her granddaughters and loved them very much as well as spending time with them whenever she could and loved being a grandparent. 

She is survived by her only daughter, Heather Nierman (Scott), her granddaughter Sabrina Thompson (Ian Holmes), and step-granddaughter Storme Nierman (Matt Felmlee), her sister Kathleen Walton of Michigan, and various nephews, a niece, and cousins. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and brother John Young of Minnetonka, Minn., her beloved German Shepherd Lady and cat Sophie. 

A celebration of life for Sally will be Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 1-4 p.m. at the farm: 31422 Gunflint Rd., Utica, Minn.  RSVP is encouraged by calling (507) 421-9399 by May 4 to plan for the food.

Riley Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Chatfield is assisting the Smith family with arrangements.  Online condolences are welcome at rileyfuneralhomes.com.