Sally van Haren

Sally Ann van Haren peacefully passed away in the early morning hours of December 21, 2024 at the UCLA Medical Center, surrounded by her kids and the family she created. She bravely fought a good fight, battling physical complications after multiple surgeries.

She was born on June 25, 1968 as Sarah Nelson to biological parents Etta Nelson and Fritz Bob Gilbert in San Carlos, Arizona. Later, she was adopted by her parents, Ina Grace Higgins and Donald Leroy Johnston. While Sally was raised in Pima, AZ by the Johnstons, she maintained a proud connection with her whole family as a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe. She was born to jagged edge water and connecting mountains people. Sally was the youngest of eight siblings in total. She was often referred to as the loudest sibling with a sense of humor that could fill up a room with her presence.  She was always at the center of any audience.

Sally graduated Pima High School in 1986. She took college classes for graphic design and machine tooling. This, plus the school of lifelong learning, kept her 56 years of life exciting with a “Jack of all Trades Degree.” Living in various places from South Carolina to California, she worked many positions. Forklift driving, sign making, mentoring in a diabetes prevention program, presiding over a skatepark committee, taking photos or volunteering were a just a few of her impacts on communities she lived in. Besides her travels and occupations, she was a talented artist with a creative skill for crafting anything. Over the full life she led, Sally also built strongly rooted bonds of friendship that were like family relationships.

She was married on November 23, 1996 to Stephanus van Haren in South Carolina. He fell in love with the whole package, including Sally’s two children Noah and Ina van Haren. They were married for 28 years. They could frequently be caught cruising together on a motorcycle or the ocean, fishing, and enjoying some great food in good company. Sally was selfless in her loving support for her husband and devoted care to her children. One of her greatest blessings could easily be spotted on Facebook in the doting displays of a grandmother’s heart for her only grandchild, Kaiden van Haren. Sally’s faith and unquestionable strength blessed numerous lives.

Sally is survived by her husband Stephanus van Haren, her son Noah van Haren and her daughter Ina van Haren.  She is also survived by her grandson Kaiden van Haren and her faithful cat Benni.

Funeral Services for Sally van Haren will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at the old Pima LDS Chapel, 49 South 100 West Pima, Az beginning with a viewing at 10:00 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m.

Flowers may be ordered through the McDougal Caldwell website.