Sally Tummelson

Sally Frances Tummelson, nee Faris, a beloved educator and passionate advocate for children and nature, passed away on September 7, 2024, in Lincolnwood, Illinois, at the age of 78. A long-time resident of Milton Township, Sally lived for the past year near her daughter and family in the Chicagoland area. 

Sally attended Traverse City High School, and attained her bachelor’s degree in education from Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois. A member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority, she also contributed her time and talents to a local Traverse City Area chapter, cultivating connections and community spirit.

Throughout her career, Sally taught preschool and grade school, fostering a love of learning in her students. She owned and operated the Torch Lake Children's Center in Alden, Michigan, for many years, where she created a nurturing environment for children to thrive. Later, she took on a teaching position at Rapid City Elementary School, where she continued to inspire early elementary students until her retirement. Even after leaving full-time teaching, Sally's commitment to education endured as she worked part-time at a teacher supply store, providing essential resources to fellow educators.

Sally met Gary Tummelson while attending Monmouth College, and the couple married in June 1970 shortly after their graduation. Gary was soon drafted into the army during the Vietnam War, leading them to Hawaii. During their two years stationed there, Sally shared her passion for teaching by instructing at a local preschool, where she learned some Hawaiian phrases and grew to love the Hawaiian culture.

An avid lover of nature, Sally was certified as a Michigan State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer. Her passion found expression as a Docent and Education Program Aide at Grass River Natural Area, where she delighted in leading field trips and educational programs for local students, further instilling a love for the environment in the younger generation. Sally's home was a sanctuary for birds, butterflies, and flowers; she carefully tended to several flower gardens and maintained bird feeders, creating a vibrant retreat that reflected her appreciation for the natural world.

In addition to her professional achievements, Sally cherished her time spent on Torch Lake, often enjoying the peacefulness of the water from the shoreline or on a boat. An advocate for preserving the natural beauty of Northern Michigan, she was deeply committed to ensuring that future generations could continue to experience the the joy that she found in nature.

Sally is survived by her children, Kate (Rudy) Minasian and Jeff Tummelson (Sina Meier); her grandchildren, Julian Tummelson, Eve Minasian and Rex Minasian; and her sister, Judy (the late Dave) Hicks. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gary L. Tummelson; her parents, William and Myra Faris; and her sisters, Barbara (the late Dudley) Gilmore and Nancy (the late Donald) Meffert.

A Celebration of Sally’s Life will take place at Grass River Natural Area on Sunday October 13, open house style, 2:00-4:00 p.m. Grass River Natural Area is located at 6500 Alden Highway in Bellaire, Michigan. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Grass River Natural Area, 6500 Alden Hwy, P.O. Box 231, Bellaire, MI 49615.