Sally Gilpin McClure, 85, of Lenexa, Kansas, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on December 25, 2025, after a long journey with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Though the disease diminished many of her abilities, her beautiful smile remained, and her family is grateful for the time, small moments of joy, and connections they continued to share with her.   

Sally was born on April 21, 1940, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to James and Signe Gilpin. After high school, she worked as a secretary and met John McClure while working at a television station in Omaha, Nebraska. They married in October 1966 and lived in several states before settling in Lenexa, Kansas, where they made their home for 36 years. They also enjoyed many years as snowbirds in Naples, Florida. Sally and John shared 53 years of marriage before his passing in January 2020.   

Sally devoted her life to raising her two daughters and supporting them in all their pursuits. Her family was her greatest joy, especially her four grandchildren, who meant the world to her.   

She was deeply loved and maintained lifelong friendships, sharing a particularly close bond with her sister Donna. Family always came first for Sally. She was loyal, kind, and upbeat, with a generous spirit and a constant presence in the lives of her daughters and grandchildren.   

Sally lived her faith through compassion and kindness. She enjoyed reading, playing bridge, sewing, baking, and traveling. Naples, Florida—especially the Pelican Bay beaches—held a special place in her heart. She will be remembered for her warm humor, joyful nature, and unwavering love for others.  

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Jill and William Brewster and Kimberly and James Tronoski; her grandchildren, Zachary, Morgan, Ava, and Ethan; her sister, Donna (Jim) Livesay; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Virginia “Ginger” Gilpin Daugherty.   

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 2, at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, Wesley Chapel, Building A, 13720 Roe Avenue, Leawood, Kansas.

Memorial donations can be made in honor of Sally to the Candlelight Christmas Eve Offering.