Sally Jo Klinetobe (Spafford) passed away October 21, 2021 at the age of 74, ending her courageous battle with cancer. She resided in Cameron Park California, but was a resident of Fortuna for 67 years.

Sally was born in Forest Grove, Oregon on May 30, 1947 to Fred and Dolores Spafford. They moved to Fortuna when she was the age of seven and attended local schools. Sally was a 1965 graduate of Fortuna Union High School.

She married Louis Brouillard in June of 1965. Her eldest daughter was born in January 1966. In early adulthood, Sally attended Heald Business College in San Francisco. She held numerous clerical positions in the Fortuna/Eureka area. In 1992 Sally was employed by Fortuna Parks and Recreation where she continued to work in various capacities supporting the Senior Bus Program as a dispatcher. She took great pride in caring for the senior bus riders. In addition, she spent many years assisting with the operations of the Depot Museum. After 21 years of service Sally retired in 2013.

Sally remarried to Gale Lee Klinetobe on June 7, 1975. They were married 39 years when Gale preceded Sally in death in March 2014. Together they had two children. Sally had many pastimes and interests over the years. In the 70’s, she became a loyal and dedicated Young and the Restless soap opera fan and recorded her shows daily ensuring she never missed an episode. She enjoyed NASCAR and watched it religiously every weekend with her husband Gale. She had many favorite drivers including Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch. Sally loved watching many televised sporting events and found joy in her last days watching the recent NLDS with her son, Wade, and son-in-law, Brian. Sally and Gale would often travel to the Sacramento area to spend time with their kids and family. They both loved to relax and gamble together, stopping at various casinos to drop a few dollars. Despite trying to get Sally to try other machines, she only wanted to play penny slots and she always won!

She had a true passion for the ocean and embraced the tranquility, smell, and sounds of the waves crashing on the beach. Throughout the years Sally and Gale visited many scenic locations along the California and Oregon coast. She was successful with her final wish to visit the Mendocino Coast where she enjoyed reuniting with friends and relaxing. Sally’s hobby was to collect owls, she had a colorful and unique collection.

For those of you who knew Sally we would be remiss not to mention that she was a talker! Sally was very social and had an amazing memory, she often caught details that others missed. She also maintained many strong relationships with others throughout the years.

Sally was a 37-year member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Walker Bailey Post #205. She served as the Secretary and Treasurer for many years and also held many Chairman positions in District #1. She was active for many years with various activities within the Legion community, including the annual Poppy sale, bake sales, crab feeds, and holiday events. She loved all her family so much and was very proud of her children and their accomplishments. Her pride and joy were her grandsons, Andrew and Nicholas. She would frequently read to Nicholas and enjoyed watching Andrew’s football games. She loved being a grandma and we know she will miss them dearly.

Sally was loved by many and will truly be missed. She will always be in our hearts.

Sally is survived by her brother, Gary Spafford and sister-in-law, Lynn of Susanville; daughter, Starla Spencer and son-in-law, Brian of Garden Valley, Calif.; daughter, Tori Klinetobe of Fortuna ; son Wade Klinetobe and daughter- in-law Alexandra, and two grandsons, Andrew and Nicholas of El Dorado Hills; brother-in-law, Roger Hardie and sister-in-law, Sue of Copperopolis, Calif.; brother-in-law, Gary Klinetobe of Susanville; brother-in-law, Greg Klinetobe and sister-in-law, Vickie of McKinleyville; sister-in-law, Sandy Klinetobe, of Rio Dell; Nephews, Cory Spafford, of Tustin, Calif.; Richard Klinetobe and Amber of Susanville; Gary Wayne Klinetobe, of Fortuna; Gregory Klinetobe Jr. and Rebecca of Stockton; Jeff Hardie and Roxanne of Susanville, CA; Christopher Hines and Christina of Fortuna; Nieces, Dezarae Young and Barry of Carlsbad, Calif. ; Carolyn Klinetobe, of Hydesville, CA; Laura Simpson and Todd of Fortuna; Harmonie Klinetobe of Fortuna; Lydia Klinetobe of Scotia; Kristy Davis and Johnnie of Sonora; goddaughter, Tania Russo of Redding; and numerous great-nieces and nephews; great-great nieces, great-great nephews, and cousins. Sally was preceded in death by her father, Fred Spafford; mother, Dolores Spafford; sister-in-law, Glenda Hardie; nephews, Michael Klinetobe & Clyde Burt.

A graveside burial will be held on November 6, 2021 at 11 a.m. at the Sunrise Cemetery in Fortuna. Shortly after the service family and friends are invited for a celebration of life at 1pm at the River Lodge Conference Center in Fortuna. Flowers in memory of Sally may be sent to the family at Les and Debra Bishop’s residence, located at 1121 Elizabeth Barcus Way, Fortuna, CA, 95540.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Sally Klinetobe’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.