Sally Edmiston

Sally Allyn Edmiston 88, of Chesterfield, MO, passed away on October 30, 2023. She was a passionate educator, beloved mother/wife, and vibrant individual who dedicated herself to the field of education, inspiring countless students with her knowledge and enthusiasm. Her commitment to shaping young minds left a lasting impact on the community.

Sally Mae Allyn was born in Arma, Kansas, on December 9, 1934, to Vivian and Clara Allyn. The family later moved to Pittsburg, KS, where Sally attended public school and obtained a scholarship to Kansas State Teachers College ("KSTC", now Emporia State University). Sally was the editor of the student newspaper and a core member of the debate team winning compétitions locally and in neighboring states.

After graduating as the Valedictorian of the class, Sally married Robert "Bob" Ford Edmiston, whom she met at KSTC. Bob enlisted in the Army and they were stationed in Fort Eustis, VA. Their daughter, Virginia Lynn "Lynn", was born on base with a cleft palate. Sally's introduction to motherhood found her oftentimes feeding Lynn in a raincoat for the first year until corrective surgery was performed. Upon discharge, the family returned to Lawrence, KS to help Bob's father manage retail clothing stores he had started. During this time, Bob completed his Master's degree in Accounting with major editorial assistance from Sally, and two sons were born-Robert "Bob" Allyn and James "Jim" William Edmiston.

After receiving his degree, Bob accepted a job with Kellwood Corporation in New Haven, MO, and the family moved to a 100-year house in Washington, MO. Sally was active in substitute teaching, the Presbyterian Church, and raising her children. Kellwood transfers took the family to Germantown, TN, for a year and then to Ballwin, MO where Sally started teaching 7th grade full-time at Parkway North Junior High. Sally was one of the co-founders of a Unified Studies Program a team-teaching program that combined reading, English, and history. Sally also played an active role at St. Mark Presbyterian Church, helping lead the Vacation Bible School and serving both as Deacon and Elder.

After 15 years in Ballwin, Bob and Sally moved to Fairfax, VA, when Bob finished his career at the MITRE Corporation. Both were active at Vienna Presbyterian Church, and Sally served as an Elder. Sally taught as a substitute teacher and took care of her mother after her father's death. Sally then obtained an IRS Enrolled Agent credential after working at the H & R Block Executive Tax Service and started her own tax practice.

After almost 20 years in Fairfax, Bob and Sally decided to move back to the St. Louis area to reunite with old friends and family after Bob had survived 6 years after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. After Bob's death in 2005, Sally played a key role in providing tax and accounting services for 10 years to the Circle of Concern creating core process improvements. She also was a volunteer docent at the Missouri Botanical Garden's Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House, teaching children about the butterfly lifecycle. She also remained active with the St. Louis Gateway Section of the Mercedes-Benz of America Club that she and Bob enjoyed and an active in the Golden Oaks travel program of Twin Oaks Presbyterian Church in Ballwin.

For the last years of her life Sally lived at home with her son Rob at Chesterfield Villas in Chesterfield, MO. She enjoyed going out to eat, attending the Muny Opera, and traveling.

She is succeeded by her children, Lynn Edmiston Marlowe, Bob Edmiston, and Jim Edmiston.

Funeral Ceremony will be 2:00 pm Saturday, November 11, 2023 at West County Chapel, Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, 2211 Clarkson Rd, Chesterfield, Missouri 63017. Visitation will be from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm at West County Chapel.

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