Sally Ann Sprout Mallard, a cherished figure in her community and a dedicated family matriarch, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2025, at the age of 89. Surrounded by her husband, Clayton Mallard, and her daughters, Jennifer and Gwendolyn, she left behind a legacy of love and kindness that touched many lives.
Born on September 8, 1936, to Melba Pauline Savage Sprout and Ralph Edgar Sprout, Sally grew up in Torrance, California. She attended local schools, including Torrance High School, where she met her future husband, Clayton, in the 10th grade. Their love story began early, culminating in their marriage on August 5, 1956. Together, they celebrated an impressive 69 years of marriage, during which they built a close-knit family and created a warm home filled with laughter and hospitality.
Throughout her life, Sally excelled in various domestic arts. She was known for her exceptional skills in sewing, cooking, and home decoration, always striving to make her family and friends feel special and welcome. The couple’s journey took them from Atlanta, Georgia, to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, before settling back in Tustin, California. They eventually retired to Fallbrook, California, in 2002, where they continued to nurture friendships both old and new.
Sally’s commitment to community is evident in her active participation in her church, where she embodied the values she preached. Her kindness and thoughtfulness brought people together, whether through social gatherings or her renowned holiday dinners. Sally was also an avid bridge player, teaching the game in Iowa and maintaining an active neighborhood group in Tustin. Even after moving to Fallbrook, she played at the local senior center, sharing her love of the game with others.
In addition to her love for bridge, Sally discovered a passion for tennis in her thirties. She joined the Fallbrook Tennis Club after retiring and formed close friendships with fellow members, including the club’s owner, Dorothy Roth. Her vibrant spirit shone brightly in all her pursuits, and she often reflected on the highlights of her life, which included the births of her four daughters, their weddings, and the arrival of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Significantly, Sally cherished her 50th wedding anniversary, where she gathered family and friends to celebrate her enduring love for Clayton. A memorable moment of that celebration was a visit from Leonora Costales-Cabesa, an Ecuadorian AFS student who lived with the Mallard family in 1976-77, illustrating the lasting impact Sally had on those who entered her life.
Sally is survived by her husband, Clayton Mallard; daughters Rebecca Mallard (Debbie), Gwendolyn Wilson, Jennifer Artunian (Mike), and Cynthia Swift (Larry); grandchildren Spencer, Anastasia, Taylor, Dylan, Amanda, Farren, Nicolette, and Rachel; and great-grandchildren Londyn, Pharaoh, and Treasure. She is also survived by her three sisters: Peggy Olivier, Jeannie Beard, and Linda Redderson, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service to honor Sally’s life will take place on January 3, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Christ the King Church in Fallbrook. The community is invited to come together to celebrate the life of a vibrant and loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
