Sarah "Sally" Lou (Neiswonger) Gourley

     Sarah "Sally" Gourley, age 97 of New Bethlehem, passed away Monday morning, October 13, 2025 at the home of her daughter in Moseley, Virginia.

     She was born March 25, 1928 to William Boyd and Florence Neiswonger and was one of seven children. Five sisters preceded her in death: Florence Young (Chester), Jane Shick (Ed), Dorothy Hilliard (Robert), Bernice Heffelfinger (Carl) and Helen Brocious (Gene). Her brother, Ronald Neiswonger (Linda) survives.

     In 1946 Sally married John McGarrity, who preceded her in death in May of 1969.  In 1971 she married Jack Gourley and he preceded her in death in March of 2008.

     She is survived by two children: John McGarrity and Marilyn Lucas (Lenford) of Moseley, Virginia, and two stepsons: Jackie Gourley of Dallas, Texas and Leslie Gourley (Vicky) of Spring, Texas.

    Sally is also survived by three grandchildren: Chad Lucas of Manassas, Virginia; Brian Lucas (Sarah) of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Marla Lockhart (Nathan) of Moseley, Virginia, and six step grandchildren: Brenda Maynard (Bill), Jack Gourley (Richelle), Christina Herriage (Jason), Paul Gourley, Joe Gourley and Bruce Gourley, all residents of Texas.

     Sally was a devout Christian and was a member of the Oak Ridge United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school and was famous for her cookie baking.  She later became a member of the Leasure Run United Methodist Church where she enjoyed helping with church dinners and bake sales.

     She worked at the Sylvania Electric Plant until it’s closing and spent most of her working life at the Owens-Illinois Glass plant in Clarion.

     When she retired, she enjoyed many camping trips with family, and learned to crochet.  Her favorite pastime was crocheting afghans and lap robes, of which dozens were donated to nursing homes and to those who were ill.

     A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday November 1, 2025, at the Rupert Funeral Home and Cremation Service chapel, 233 Penn Street, New Bethlehem. Reverend Carol Brown will officiate.

     Interment will take place in the Mt. Zion Cemetery on Beautiful Lookout.

    Online condolences may be sent to Sally’s family at www.rupertfuneralhomes.com

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