Sally Babbitt Rove

Sally Babbitt Rove passed peacefully on January 14, 2025. She had lived

independently since the death of her beloved partner Jay “Jim” Siegel in

1992. She is survived by her three daughters, Sara Jane Whitehead (Sam),

Susan Ann Thompson (Jerry), and Margaret (Peggy) Ann Simmons (Tim).

Sally was a grandmother of seven and great grandmother to three - which

were the pride and joy of her life.

She was born in Portland, Oregon in 1933 to Sara Jane (née Henderson) and Daniel

Babbitt. Her brother, Dan, preceded her death. During her 91 years, Sally

and her family moved many times from Northrop St. in Portland to San

Francisco, Kenosha, Ohio, Europe, eventually returning to Portland.

In January of 1953 Sally married Olaf I. Rove. Sally would be divorced 20

years later. She met her partner Jim Siegel in 1982.

Following the birth of her children she devoted her time to volunteering.

Sally sewed costumes for the girls' dance team, was a 4-H leader, a

member of St. Luke’s altar guild, Good Samaritan Hospital auxiliary, and

the Assistance League.

Sally loved to tell her children that her first job was in a bobby pin factory.

She later went on to working retail for Charles F. Berg and Nordstroms,

where she managed a department becoming a buyer. After meeting Jim,

the two formed JS. Trading, Inc., designing and manufacturing women’s

outerwear sold under the labels Northwest Passages, NWP, and Hiro.

With Jim’s passing, Sally devoted her time to remodeling her home,

volunteering, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends. She

enjoyed reading mystery novels and attending Broadway plays at the

Keller Auditorium. She traveled with her daughters to Vancouver BC, a

cruise down the Mississippi and one from Italy to Spain.

Sally will be remembered and truly missed. Sally suggested that friends

wishing to contribute do so by volunteering with local groups, or donate to

the Alzheimer Association.

A funeral service for Sally will be held Friday, January 24, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Finley Sunset Hills Mortuary, 6801 SW SUNSET HWY, PORTLAND, OR 97225, followed by a graveside service from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.