Sally Leary Bench

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the recent passing of Sally Bench, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and sister.

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Sally was born to Daniel and Billie Leary on December 12, 1938 in Salt Lake City, Utah. She left this world on November 8, 2020, after courageously deciding to discontinue the dialysis treatments she had endured for the past six years.

Sally grew up in the Poplar Grove area in Salt Lake City. Her parents owned a corner grocery store, which likely contributed to her life-long love of ice-cold cokes and chocolate candy. She attended West High School. She married and later divorced Del Von Anderson. She and Del Von had six children together. She later met the love of her life, Sonny Bench, and the two of them had one child.

Sally was exceptionally kind and compassionate to all, including total strangers and the many animals she cared for over the years. She was a confidante and trusted advisor to many, and her kind words and practical advice touched the hearts of those who knew her. She raised her children to be independent and self-reliant.

Sally’s favorite vacation spot was Disneyland. She loved to read, especially scary books, and she loved going to scary movies. It’s no wonder that Halloween was one of her favorite holidays. She also loved Christmas and made the season magical for everyone around her. She frequently organized Christmas parties for her extended family, planning and shopping all year long for the big event. During her 27-year career at ARUP, she always made sure the area she shared with We love you, Mom! her co-workers was decorated for all holidays.

Sally is survived by her loving husband Ronald “Sonny” Bench; children Mark Anderson (Cory), Sally Ann Anderson, Susan Anderson, Shelly George (Mark), Sonny Bench; 17 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and siblings Colleen Campbell Ballegooie, Jim Leary, and Billie Tolman. She was preceded in death by parents, son Kevin Anderson, daughter Stacey Candelaria, and granddaughter Stephanie Anderson.

Thank you dad for taking such good care of our mom. We would also like to thank the staff at the Intermountain Utah Dialysis and the Inspiration Home Health and Hospice.

Due to COVID-19, no services will be held at this time. A Celebration of Sally’s Life will be announced at a later date.

The world was a better place with her in it, and she will be deeply missed by those who loved her.