Sally Ann Sprout Mallard, a cherished wife, mother, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2025, at the age of 89. Surrounded by her husband, Clayton Mallard, and daughters, Jennifer and Gwendolyn, she left behind a legacy of love and devotion to her family.
Born on September 8, 1936, to Melba Pauline Savage Sprout and Ralph Edgar Sprout, Sally grew up in Torrance, California. She attended local schools, where she met Clayton during their tenth grade at Torrance High School. The couple married on August 5, 1956, and enjoyed a remarkable 69 years together, building a life filled with joy, love, and cherished memories.
Throughout her life, Sally excelled in various pursuits. She was skilled in sewing, cooking, baking, and home decoration, always ensuring that family and friends felt welcomed and loved in her home. The couple’s journey took them from Atlanta, Georgia, to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, before returning to Tustin, California. In 2002, they retired to Fallbrook, California, where they continued to nurture relationships with both new and old friends.
Sally’s commitment to her community was evident through her church involvement and her warm, thoughtful nature. She had a passion for bridge, teaching the game in Iowa and maintaining an active group in Tustin. Even in Fallbrook, she continued to play at the local Senior Center, showcasing her vibrant spirit.
Her athletic pursuits included learning tennis in her thirties, which led to friendships at the Fallbrook Tennis Club. She formed a close bond with the club’s owner, Dorothy Roth, and her husband, Russ. Sally’s life was rich with milestones; she often highlighted the births of her four daughters, their weddings, and the arrival of each grandchild and great-grandchild as the most significant moments.
Sally’s talent for hosting was unmatched. She organized numerous holiday dinners, baby showers, and family gatherings, all designed to celebrate the connections she held dear. A particularly memorable event was her 50th wedding anniversary, where she gathered loved ones to honor her family and her enduring love for Clayton. A special guest at this celebration was Leonora Costales-Cabesa, an Ecuadorian AFS student who lived with the Mallard family during the 1976-77 school year.
Sally is survived by her husband, Clayton, her daughters Rebecca Mallard (Debbie), Gwendolyn Wilson, Jennifer Artunian (Mike), and Cynthia Swift (Larry), as well as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind three sisters, Peggy Olivier, Jeannie Beard, and Linda Redderson. Sally’s vibrant spirit and loving nature will be profoundly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
A memorial service will be held on January 3, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Christ the King Church in Fallbrook, providing an opportunity for family and friends to honor her remarkable life and the love she shared with so many.
