Sally Ann Sprout Mallard, a cherished wife, mother, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2025, at the age of 89. Surrounded by her husband, Clayton Mallard, and daughters, Jennifer and Gwendolyn, she leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness.
A Life of Love and Accomplishments
Born on September 8, 1936, to Melba Pauline Savage Sprout and Ralph Edgar Sprout, Sally grew up in Torrance, California, where she attended local schools. Her relationship with Clayton began in the 10th grade at Torrance High School. After two years at Whittier College, the couple married on August 5, 1956, embarking on a partnership that would span nearly seven decades.
Throughout their marriage, Sally and Clayton built a vibrant family life, moving across several states due to Clayton’s job. From Atlanta, Georgia, to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and back to Tustin, California, they nurtured friendships old and new. In 2002, they retired to Fallbrook, California, where they continued to foster community ties.
Sally was known for her exceptional skills in sewing, cooking, and home decoration. She created welcoming spaces filled with warmth and love, making everyone feel at home. Her dedication to family was evident in the many gatherings she organized, from holiday dinners to baby showers, all designed to celebrate life’s milestones.
A Community Leader and Friend
Active in her church, Sally exemplified kindness and generosity. Her commitment to bringing people together was not limited to family, as she also formed lasting friendships through activities like bridge. She taught the game in Iowa and maintained an enthusiastic bridge group in Tustin, continuing to play at the Fallbrook Senior Center until recent years.
Sports also played a significant role in Sally’s life. She took up tennis in her thirties, becoming a member of the Fallbrook Tennis Club after retirement. Her friendships with club owner Dorothy Roth and her husband Russ enriched her life during these years.
Reflecting on her life, Sally often mentioned the milestones she cherished the most—the births of her four daughters, their weddings, and the arrival of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary in a memorable gathering that highlighted her love for family and friends, including a special visit from Leonora Costales-Cabesa, an exchange student who lived with the family in the late 1970s.
Sally is survived by her husband, Clayton, her daughters Rebecca Mallard (Debbie), Gwendolyn Wilson, Jennifer Artunian (Mike), and Cynthia Swift (Larry), along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind three sisters: Peggy Olivier, Jeannie Beard, and Linda Redderson, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Her vibrant spirit and nurturing presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. A memorial service for friends and family is scheduled for January 3, 2026, at 11 AM at Christ the King Church in Fallbrook.
