SYLVIA RUTH "SALLY" (NELSON) RUMELHART Obituary (1951

Sally R Rumelhart, age 71, passed away on Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at her home in Libby from natural causes. Born Sylvia Ruth Nelson (but went by Sally most of her life) to Lloris & Ruth (Lenz) Nelson on January 22nd, 1951, the second of six children. Sally grew up on a farm near Rosholt, S.D. and spent the first 5 years of school in a one-room county school, graduating from Rosholt High School. Married right out of high school, to which union, four wonderful boys were born, Quentin, Shane, Ryan and Brett Cottingham. Unfortunately the husband had control and rage issues and the marriage ended after 15 years. She tried marriage again a few years later but he was an alcoholic, so that did not last long. Many years later she tried marriage again, but he died of a heart attack two months after the wedding. Finally, in her late 50's marrying one more time, to Paul Rumelhart, the love of her life, finally! During all that drama, Sally raised her four sons plus gave a home to many "stray puppies" as she called them, when they needed it. Her door was never locked. For survival, Sally was a CNA, medical assistant, ward secretary, motel owner, florist, bartender and even a vacuum salesman. Finally, at the age of 46, she went to college for Landscape Design and started her own business. For the next 15 years she gave beautiful landscapes to home owners and businesses alike. Sally was artistic and loved creating whimsical things, painting anything from pictures to rock. She liked reading and spending time in her gardens when not creating something else. Sally spent many, many happy hours outside (usually barefoot) among her flowers. She loved her whole family with all her heart! Between her children and Paul's children they have eight wonderful kids, 14 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren who have brought them both so much joy. Sally is survived by her husband Paul, three brothers, Larry, Brad, and Dan Nelson and two sisters, Linda Forsberg and Gloria Huntington. A celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date. She wants this to be a simple, casual time (no need to dress up) for sharing stories and memories from everyone. Sally wishes she could be there to hear them. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.