Sally Ann Sprout Mallard, a beloved wife, mother, and friend, passed away on December 16, 2025, surrounded by her husband, Clayton, and their daughters, Jennifer and Gwendolyn. Born on September 8, 1936, to Melba Pauline Savage Sprout and Ralph Edgar Sprout, Sally’s life was marked by her unwavering dedication to her family and her community.
A Life Dedicated to Family and Friends
Sally grew up in Torrance, California, where she attended local elementary and high schools. It was at Torrance High School that she met her future husband, Clayton Mallard, in the 10th grade. Following two years at Whittier College, she and Clayton married on August 5, 1956, embarking on a journey that would last an impressive 69 years.
Throughout their marriage, Sally and Clayton created a nurturing family environment. Sally was known for her exceptional skills in sewing, cooking, and home decoration. She passionately hosted gatherings, ensuring every guest felt welcomed and cherished. Their family life flourished as they moved through several states, including Georgia and Iowa, before retiring to Fallbrook, California, in 2002.
Sally’s commitment to family extended to her involvement in the Torrance High School community. She hosted the 60th reunion for her class at her home in Fallbrook, demonstrating her deep-rooted connections to her past. Her nurturing spirit was also evident in her church activities, where she practiced kindness and compassion.
A Legacy of Kindness and Creativity
Sally was not only a loving family member but also an enthusiastic bridge player. She taught the game in Iowa and was an active participant in bridge clubs throughout her life, including at the Fallbrook Senior Center. Her love for tennis blossomed in her thirties, and she enjoyed playing with friends at the Fallbrook Tennis Club.
Reflecting on her life, Sally noted that her greatest joys included the births of her four daughters, their weddings, and the arrival of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She orchestrated memorable holiday dinners and celebrations, cherishing moments spent with family. A highlight of her life was the 50th wedding anniversary celebration, which brought together many dear friends and family, including Leonora Costales-Cabesa, an Ecuadorian exchange student who had lived with them in the late 1970s.
Sally is survived by her husband, Clayton Mallard; daughters Rebecca Mallard (Debbie), Gwendolyn Wilson, Jennifer Artunian (Mike), and Cynthia Swift (Larry); and a multitude of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is also remembered by her three sisters, Peggy Olivier, Jeannie Beard, and Linda Redderson, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Sally’s vibrant spirit and unwavering kindness will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. A Memorial Service will be held for friends and family on January 3, 2026, at 11 AM at Christ the King Church in Fallbrook, where those who loved her can come together to celebrate her remarkable life.
