Sally Ann Pannell Galster, 86, passed away April 14, 2026 after a long struggle with diabetes and its complications.
Sally was born in Chehalis on Dec. 9, 1939, and spent most of her life in Randle, later moving to Napavine around 2007 and then to an assisted living facility in 2018 following the passing of her husband, Dennis.
Sally devoted her early years to raising her children at home. Later, she took a job as a rural paper delivery driver for The Chronicle, covering a route of about 125 miles per day — a definite adventure through all types of weather, from Randle up into High Valley and back. She went on to cook at White Pass High School, which led to a long tenure cooking at The Cispus Center, an outdoor school she called home for many years.
She was also a very talented seamstress, sewing for many clients in the valley, and was well known for making custom ladies’ underwear as well as beautiful quilts for family and friends.
Preceded in death by her parents, George Willis Pannell and Edna Fae Parnell; her husband, Dennis; daughter, Barbara; son, Greg; and five of her six siblings, Nancy, Sandy, John, Tom and Rod.
Survived by her son, Scott (Daina) Galster, La Center; grandchildren Zach (Cassie) Galster, Riley (Alison) Galster, Eric (Crystal) Sells, Mindy (Isaac) Martin, and Christopher Anderson; niece Betty Parnell; great-niece Melissa Cummings; great-grandchildren McKenna, Piper, Arya, Gunner, Lennox and Baker; and one great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by her sister, Pat (Leroy) Johnson, Tonasket, WA, and numerous nieces and nephews on both sides of the family.
A graveside service will be held Tuesday, June 9, at 1 p.m. at Calquato Cemetery, 142 Stearns Road, Chehalis, WA.
