Sally Jo O'Brien Garwood Bjork

Sally Jo O’Brien was born April 8, 1955 to William and Marie O’Brien. She grew up in Page, Nebraska attending elementary and junior high school in Page and then attended high school in Orchard, Nebraska.

On December 31, 1973, at 18 tender years, Sally married her husband of 43 years, Eric Garwood. In 1979, Eric, Sally and family relocated to Red Desert, Wyoming where they homesteaded a 40-acre ranch and raised their children. Sally was a loving wife and mother, while raising their seven children and managing all of the domestic and husbandry responsibilities that come with homesteading and ranching.

In 1992 Sally and family moved the short distance from Red Desert to Wamsutter, Wyoming. Sally managed a convenience store, motel, house rentals, and mechanic’s shop that she and Eric later purchased. Sally helped many travelers, local families, and children with food, gas, monetary donations, and jobs while running the business.

For 20 plus years Sally was the head of the hospitality committee for the Wamsutter Baptist Church. Managing the kitchen, food baskets, and Angel Tree for the Church as well as volunteering her time at events that took place at Desert School and in the Wamsutter community. Her work at the church, her children and the children of Wamsutter were her passion.

Sally became a widow on April 1, 2016 at which time she also retired from working the business in Wamsutter. She spent her days of retirement as a lady of leisure enjoying lunches with her kids and grandkids, traveling a little bit, while also volunteering her time to the church, school, and community. In 2020 Sally ran for and was elected to the Wamsutter Town Council. She served as a Council woman for one four-year term.

In 2024, Sally met Ron Bjork. After a whirlwind romance they married on February 28, 2024, and Sally moved to Rawlins, Wyoming with Ron. Though both had been in long term marriages previously, they shared a great and passionate love for one another.

Sally again became a widow in March of 2026, after which she relocated to Westminster, Colorado to live the rest of her days with her daughter.

Sally passed away at the age of 71 on the evening of August 11, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. She is proceeded in death by father and mother William & Marie O’Brien, brother Pat O’Brien, sisters Sue Richardson & Peggy Grass, husbands Eric Garwood & Ron Bjork, daughter Malissa Garwood, foster son Daniel Jaurez, and grandson Kalyle Dischner.

She is survived by brother Mike O’Brien (Sheryl O’Brien), sisters Sharon Saner (Troy Saner) & Sandra Bilyeu (Robert Eighmie), daughters Melinda Sala, Robin McDaniel, Shannon McClayland, Sarah Lowe (Wayne Lowe), Deserai Dischner (Matthew Dishchner), and son Matthew Garwood, grandchildren Sharaya Sala, Dominic Sala, Aliesha Sala, Mitch Calhoun, Paige Lytle, Dakota Gallant, Sauriah McDaniel, Samantha Snyder, Frank Bates, Chelsea Bates, Daphney Bates, Ashton Garwood, Jenna Dixon, Resee Lowe, Sean Lowe, Mason Lowe, Ellora Dischner, Blaine Dischner, 14 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and great niece and nephews.

Celebration of life for Sally Jo O’Brien Garwood Bjork

We will be having a celebration of life for Sally Jo O’Brien Garwood Bjork, because her life is definitely one that should and will be celebrated!!

Please join us on Saturday, October 10th at 2:00 p.m. in Wamsutter, Wyoming at the Wamsutter Baptist Church, and weather permitting, a carry in picnic at the Wamsutter City Park.

Please come and share your stories and memories with us.