Sally Jane Lynes

Sally Jane Lynes leapt into the arms of our lord and savior Jesus Christ July 13, 2024, surrounded by family and friends. Fiercely independent and feisty, she made a point of keeping family stories and the family tree known and shared. Sally was born to Lester and Lucy Scates in Pittsburg Kansas March 24, 1937 and was a little sister to Stan, three years older. Her family moved to California when Sally was in high school and it’s there that she spent her life, living in the Ontario/Montclair area for 50 years and Yucaipa for the last 20 years. In 1960 Sally married the love of her life, Herman Lynes and together they raised four children, Russell, Charles, Kathyrn and Stephen. Those four kids led to 7 grandchildren and 12 great- grandchildren. The children, spouses and grandchildren enjoy being together and love and support each other. This was Sally’s greatest pride. She worked in insurance until retirement. After retirement, Sally and Herm travelled, usually by travel trailer or RV. Visiting out of state family and friends and seeing historical sites was a favorite past time. Whether she was playing cards, playing the piano or playing penny slots – Sally was always up for fun. She also had a talent for interior decorating. It wasn’t uncommon for her to move the furniture around several times a month in order to obtain her desired aesthetic. Sally loved animals too, from her childhood horse to the many of dogs and cats that enriched her life. In later years, Sally became blind but was blessed to have two magnificent guide dogs. Both Bonnie and Sidney helped Sally safely navigate the world and maintain her independence. She never let the blindness slow her down. She talked her family into letting her drive (albeit a golf cart), she painted the interior of her house, she volunteered with organizations that help the sight impaired, Guide Dogs of The Desert, Lion’s Club and the Braille Institute. A story that reflects her feistiness and her love of animals, once while playing penny slots a nearby player’s chihuahua “service dog” attacked Sidney. Sally jumped up to defend him and, in the process, touched the player (it’s hard to know how close people are when you’re blind). She was banned from the casino for year. Her family reminded her frequently about her gangster tendencies, while being very proud of her fierceness and independence. Sally is survived by her husband, Herman, sons, Russell (Billie Ann) of Upland, CA, Chuck of Keller, TX, Steve (Vicki) of Fountain Hills, AZ, daughter, Kathy of Keller, TX, brother, Stan Scates (Anita) of Lake Havasu AZ and grandchildren, Nathan, Rusti, Brad, Carly, Kyleen, Jeff, and Scott. Her nieces and nephews survive her as well. Sally leaves behind two close friends she recognized as her ‘kids”, Charlie (Buster) and Diana March. Sally was well loved and will be missed but the family knows they will be reunited with her in heaven. A memorial service will be held at Preston and Simmons Mortuary in Riverside on July 29th and her final resting place will be in Riverside National Cemetery.

Sally Jane Lynes

March 24, 1937 - July 13, 2024