Obituary for Sally May Schroder

Sally May Schroder, 83, passed away on Monday, July 31st, at Terrace Glen Village in Marion, IA, surrounded by family.  In lieu of services, there will be a small gathering of the immediate family in the near future to celebrate her life.

Sally was born July 18, 1940, in Webster City, Iowa, to Neil and Maxine (Julius) Bickford, middle sibling to Jack and Sue.  She graduated from Webster City High School in 1958.  Growing up, Sally’s favorite summer activities included spending time at her Grandma Julius’ house and frequenting the nearby city pool.  From the moment the gates opened until they were kicked out in the evening, you’d best bet the pool was where you would find Sally and her sister.  For several years, Sally worked for Forrester’s Dairy, followed by the ASC office.

On October 25, 1958, Sally was united in marriage to Sherman Schroder.  Shortly after, they relocated to El Paso, Texas, for 2 years while Sherman served in the army.  On base, Sally became popular amongst Sherman’s fellow servicemen as she provided haircuts all around.  Upon leaving Texas, the happy couple planted roots in Cedar Rapids, IA, where they would raise a family.  They welcomed their first child, a daughter, Janna Sue, in 1965, followed by a son, Bradley John, in 1967.  An avid dog lover, Sally also had several shelties throughout her life that she adored dearly.  

In their golden years, Sally and Sherman had several close couples that they enjoyed spending time with.  She was also spoiled by her husband, who happily chauffeured her and her girlfriends around the town.  Although she was very sociable with friends, the most important element of her life during these years were her grandchildren.  She attended sporting events, music concerts, and hosted many sleepovers.  

Memories from Sally’s grandchildren include playing P.I.G. on the driveway, breaking out the old Atari gaming system, throwing water balloons, big wheels, making forts “under the house”, and most of all her infectious laugh.  Sally loved to smile and laughed at almost anything – she was a very silly lady.  One of the things that got her giggling the most was fart noises, so much that she had her own remote-control fart machine!  Sally enjoyed watching Iowa Hawkeye basketball and began watching Iowa football as well when her grandchildren started attending the University.  She loved her gardens, flowers and collecting frog décor, which was evident when stepping foot into their home.

Sally is survived by her husband of 64 years, Sherman; daughter Janna (Jeff) Axline of Robins; son, Brad (Maurine) Schroder of Iowa City; sister, Sue (Jon) Doolittle of Webster City; brother Jack (Yvonne) Bickford of Arizona; 8 grandchildren & 3 great granddaughters; sisters-in-law Janis (Tom) Hicks and Mary Schroder; brother-in-law Al Schroder and a niece and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; nephew Scott Bickford; parents-in-law, Leo and Buenetta Schroder and brother-in-law Bob Schroder.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sally’s memory to the American Diabetes Association (diabetes.org/ways-to-give).