Sally Ann Mace

Sally Ann Mace, born on August 23, 1940, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2025, at Methodist Medical Center. She is survived by her husband, Eugene (Gene), and her three children, Eric, Michelle, and Bruce. She was 84 years old.

Sally was the eldest of five sisters. She was born in Great Bend, Kansas to Waldo and Mary Barstow. They settled in Sharon Springs, Kansas where Waldo was a farmer. Sally left Sharon Springs to attend nursing school in Hutchinson, Kansas. While there, she met her future husband, Reverend Gene Mace. They were introduced by his sister Wanda, who was also a student.

Sally and Gene were married in 1961 in Kansas. For the first several years of their marriage they routinely moved as Gene was reassigned by the Methodist diocese, living in multiple towns in Kansas, as well as Hartford Connecticut and Erie Pennsylvania. In 1974, the family moved for their final time to Peoria, where Gene took a position in the Pastoral Care department of Methodist Medical Center. 

As a married woman, Sally had not been allowed to complete her nursing degree in Kansas. When her children were old enough, she returned to school at Methodist Medical Center School of Nursing and completed her nursing degree. She began her career as a Registered Nurse at Methodist Medical Center, working her way up to Charge Nurse on 7 Hamilton, the floor where she would ultimately pass away.

After several years, Sally left 7 Hamilton to work in a private surgical practice, spending the final years of her career as a scheduling nurse in the practice of Dr. Lynn Javolec, where she remained until retirement. After Gene retired, the couple moved to Washington, IL, where they lived until moving to Lutheran Hillside Village in 2020.

Sally dedicated her life to caring for others as a registered nurse, where her compassion and commitment left a lasting impact on her colleagues and patients alike. Sally’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her legacy of kindness and care will bring comfort to those she leaves behind.

A memorial will be held for her at University United Methodist Church on Saturday, January 11th, 2025. Visitation will be at 10am, followed by the service at 11am. Donations in her name can be made to Planned Parenthood of Illinois or the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation.