It is with great sadness that the family of Sally Marie Whannell announces her passing on Oct. 31, 2021, in Centralia, Washington, from complications associated with rheumatoid arthritis and Parkinson’s.
Sally was born on March 6, 1943, in Aberdeen, Washington to Morris and Edna Dagnen and was raised with her brothers Gary and Scotty on the family dairy farm in the Wynoochee Valley outside of Montesano.
A graduate of Montesano High School Class of 1961, she married the love of her life, Robert Bruce Whannell on Aug. 24, 1962, after her freshman year at Washington State University. During their marriage of 59 years, they resided in Federal Way, Montesano, Enumclaw, Morton; Warrenton, Oregon; and Chehalis.
She was a devoted wife and mother, an exceptional homemaker and an active partner with her husband Robert as they operated a dairy farm in Morton for 15 years and a cranberry farm in Warrenton, Oregon for 28 years. She was a source of guidance and wisdom for her sons, and a huge fan of their sports activities during their school years; attending countless track meets and baseball, basketball and football games, both home and away.
A woman of deep Christian faith, she was an active Sunday school teacher and youth group leader and served on numerous church committees over the decades. And on several occasions, she also volunteered to serve as a poll worker on election day.
She and Robert especially enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and the world to visit their sons and the interesting places near where they lived at the time. These travels took them to locations such as Mississippi, Alaska, Hawaii, Delaware, Texas, Arizona, and Belgium, France, Ireland, Scotland, Norway, Guam and Saipan.
Sally is survived by husband Robert Bruce Whannell, Chehalis, Washington, son Thomas Scott and wife Karen of McKinney, Texas, son Jeffrey Wayne and wife Pako of Goodyear, Arizona and son Daniel Joseph and wife Tammy of Rockwall, Texas. And she is survived by all of her grandchildren: Julia, Laura and Olivia; Kyla and Jordyn; and Annsylee, Zachary and Harley.
She is also survived by brothers Gary and Scotty Dagnen, both of Montesano, Washington, and numerous nephews and nieces.
A memorial service for Sally will be held at Community Presbyterian Church of Onalaska at noon on Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021. Pastor Nerison will preside
Her family would like to thank the Sharon Care Center for the wonderful care that was provided to her prior to her passing.
