Sally Ann Sprout Mallard, a beloved wife, mother, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was 89 years old and is survived by her husband of 69 years, Clayton Mallard, and their four daughters, Jennifer, Gwendolyn, Rebecca, and Cynthia. Sally’s life was marked by her dedication to family, community, and her many passions.
Sally was born on September 8, 1936, in California to Melba Pauline Savage Sprout and Ralph Edgar Sprout. She attended elementary and high school in Torrance, where she met Clayton in the 10th grade at Torrance High School. After spending two years at Whittier College, Sally married Clayton on August 5, 1956. Their journey together took them across several states, including Georgia and Iowa, before settling in Fallbrook, California, in 2002.
Throughout her life, Sally excelled in various skills, including sewing, cooking, and home decoration. Her warm hospitality was evident as she hosted family gatherings, ensuring everyone felt welcomed and loved. The couple maintained strong ties with friends, both old and new, and celebrated their 60th high school reunion at their home in Fallbrook.
Sally was actively involved in her church, embodying kindness and compassion in her interactions with others. She was also an accomplished bridge player, teaching the game in Iowa and engaging in local bridge groups throughout her life. Her passion for tennis began in her thirties, and she continued playing at the Fallbrook Tennis Club after retirement, cultivating friendships with fellow players.
Celebrating a Life Full of Memories
Sally’s life was richly woven with memories of her family milestones. She cherished the birth of her daughters, their weddings, and the arrival of each grandchild and great-grandchild. Festive gatherings, holiday dinners, and showers were occasions she organized with great care and enthusiasm. One of her most memorable events was her 50th wedding anniversary, where she brought together loved ones to celebrate her enduring love for Clayton.
A special highlight of the anniversary celebration was the visit from Leonora Costales-Cabesa, an Ecuadorian AFS student who lived with the Mallard family from 1976 to 1977 and remained close to Sally throughout the years. Such connections exemplified Sally’s ability to foster lasting relationships, reflecting her generous spirit.
Sally is preceded in death by her parents, Melba and Ralph Sprout. She leaves behind her three sisters, Peggy Olivier, Jeannie Beard, and Linda Redderson, along with her husband, daughters, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including Spencer, Anastasia, and Londyn.
A Final Farewell
A memorial service to honor Sally Ann Sprout Mallard will take place on January 3, 2026, at 11 AM at Christ the King Church in Fallbrook. Family and friends will gather to celebrate her life and the impact she had on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Sally’s vibrant spirit and unwavering love for her family and friends will be deeply missed, but her legacy of warmth and kindness will continue to inspire those she touched throughout her remarkable life.
