Sally Rae

Sally Rae, 93, was born September 2,1931 in Chicago, IL to Morris and Doris Gordon Zinn. Her first 48 years were spent in the city. After moving to the Ozarks in 1979, the people of Mountain Home, AR became the home of her heart. 

The Brief Encounter, a restaurant in Chicago, was the longest place of employment for this petite dynamo, where she manned a 12-seat counter and tables. With lightning precision and a photographic memory, Sally waitressed regulars with remembered drink orders before patrons were seated, often not writing down a single order during her long shift. She continued her career in fine restaurants through the years, and after meeting and marrying Ron Rae, a Chicago policeman, the couple moved to Arkansas.

Sally spent her adult life finding ways to serve and give to others, especially children. Volunteering brought her much joy. In Arkansas, she worked on many projects with the VFW Lady’s Auxiliary, including ‘Project Baby Shower’ which supplied newborn clothing to struggling young mothers. Many contributions were made throughout the years to groups like: Ronald McDonald House, Mountain Home Parks Department, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, the Baxter County Sheriff’s Department’s children program ‘Shop with Cops’, and the Food Bank of NCA. Having lost her own mother at the young age of two, her empathy and generosity towards children was the defining theme throughout the decades of her life.

She spent several years volunteering at Nelson Wilkes Herron Elementary School. Always seeking to ‘spoil’ kids, students were treated with pizza parties, cookies, and ice cream. While Sally learned early in life to be tough and work hard, to these kids she was a warm smile. ‘Operation Christmas Child’, where she filled shoeboxes with toys, personal care items, and school supplies for children in under privileged countries, was another one of her favorite projects. Sally worked with VFW Auxiliary members to mark second graders’ backpacks with reflective tape, and helped create digital images, fingerprints, and biographical information to keep kids safe.

Sally received appreciation awards from the following organizations: American Legion and Ladies Auxiliary, Nelson Wilks Herron Elementary School, Mountain Home Athletic Department, the 224th Maintenance Company of Marshall and Mountain Home, West Plains Elks ‘Christmas for Kids’ program, and the Mountain Home City Council’s ‘Charter First’. 

Because of her generosity to student athletics, the Mountain Home Athletic Department created an award in her honor and presented the ‘Sally Rae Kindness Award’ to a Lady Bomber who exemplified kindness and support of her teammates. 

Sally held chairman, coordinator, and representative positions with many programs: the VFW’s ‘National Home’ chairman for 8 years; the Auxiliary’s ‘Youth and Publicity’ chairman for 16 years; the ‘Voice of Democracy and Patriotic Art’ chairman for 15 years; the volunteer coordinator for the Baxter Bulletin’s ‘Christmas Wish’ program for 10 years; the Junior High School’s ‘Essay and Outstanding Youth Volunteer’ chairman; the Auxiliary’s representative to furnish flags for the classrooms; a volunteer shopper for backpacks and school supplies; and a leading fundraiser for the World War II Veterans’ Plaza. Sally worked tirelessly for others. 

Sally passed away on December 21, 2024. She was preceded in death by her mother Doris Gordon Zinn, father Morris Zinn, and husband of 30 years, Ron Rae, in 2007. She is survived by her community with whom she shared her love and kindness.

Sally, for your years of dedication to the Mountain Home community, we humbly say THANK YOU.

Arrangements are by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services - Mountain Home, Arkansas. Visit an online obituary and guestbook at www.kirbyandfamily.com.