Mary Sally C. (Sally) Antolini

On February 22, 1926, Mary Christine Ryals was born in North Platte Nebraska where her family lived on a farm. When she was a child, her father, Herman, often sang the song “Little Sally Walker” to her. She loved the song; so her family began calling her “Sally,” and she was known by that nickname her entire life. Her mother, Elsa, immigrated to the United States from Germany. Sally had one sister, one brother, and two step-brothers.

When Sally was in elementary school, her family moved to Colorado and eventually settled in Aurora. She was graduated from East High School. Soon after, she met a dashing young man who was serving his country during World War II. Not long after, she and Edward (Ed ) Antolini, the love of her life, were married.

While living in Aurora and Olathe Kansas, Ed and Sally raised four children, two boys and two girls—Carolyn, Reni, Danny, and Tony. Ed and Sally were blessed with several grandchildren and great grandchildren, whom they cherished. Ed passed away in 2006; Danny in 2013.

While raising her family, Sally worked for a bank in Aurora where she eventually became one of the bank’s vice presidents. Upon retirement, she and Ed enjoyed traveling throughout the United States with their friends and spending summers at their cabin in Grand Lake, Colorado. They loved the beauty of the mountains and golfed with a group of friends known as the Happy Hackers. Everyone in the family has fond memories of wonderful times spent at the cabin with Grandma Sally and Grandpa Ed.

Sally was an avid bowler. She and Ed bowled together in mixed leagues, and Sally bowled on a women’s team. She carried an enviable average and bowled in tournaments in Colorado and outside the state as well. She bowled weekly on a team in Aurora until just three years ago.

Sally also loved working in her yard in the summertime. She could be found outside early each summer morning enjoying her flowers and the cool of the day. She made sure each shrub was perfectly pruned and every weed pulled!

Sally battled many health issues and the sorrow of losing Ed and her son, Danny, in recent years. She was a loving, kind, and humble wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who will be dearly missed by those who loved her and had their lives enriched by her love for them. She is at peace.

Sally had a special place in her heart for the young children attending St. Therese Catholic School in Aurora. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to the school or to your favorite charity. Thank you.