1940 – 2025

Sarah “Sally” Mae Connelly (Bechtel) was born to parents John Harvey “Jack” Bechtel and Eva Eulalia “Lala” Eklund on Oct. 21, 1940, in Pincher Creek, Alta. The last of the Bechtel girls.

She spent the first six years of her life on the Bechtel homestead, located in Spread Eagle, Alta., and attended Spread Eagle School, riding Bessie the 3½ miles to get there. Being the fourth daughter, she tried to tag along behind sisters Winona “Nona” Eulalia (Bonertz), born May 21, 1919; Inga “Marr” Ada, born April 1, 1925; and Jacqueline Marie (Therriault), born April 15, 1931. But she was too little to keep up. She always spent more time as a horse than a little girl during those years.

A year after “Mamma” died, she, Jaqueline and “Daddy” reluctantly moved to town (Pincher Creek), where she developed many friendships along with the neighbours and schoolmates. Sally graduated from Matthew Halton High School in 1959, as class valedictorian.

She attended one year at the University of Alberta, earning her teaching certificate. She taught school for approximately five years at Central, Canyon (Pincher Creek) and Livingstone School (Lundbreck).

The years 1961 to 1963 were a whirlwind of activity! She met the love of her life on a blind date set up by friends, and they danced into the wee hours at the Cowboy Ball near Maycroft, Alta. She became Queen of the Pincher Creek Stampede, and participated in Miss Rodeo Canada and Calgary Stampede Queen competitions. She then married her soulmate, Douglas Stuart Connelly, July 6, 1963. They celebrated their 61st anniversary in 2024.

Sally was a rancher and a cowboy. She quietly worked alongside her husband to continue running and expanding the Connelly Ranch northwest of Lundbreck (est. 1885, SW-4-8-2-W5), where her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren still reside.

Daughter Christina Lynne (“Lynne”) was born on Aug. 26, 1966 (predeceased, Aug. 10, 1983). Dana Lee followed on May 21, 1969. 

Family, music and horses were her life. She was also a very talented but humble artist. In her final years, she could be heard tinkling the piano keys, humming, singing and smiling to herself.

She leaves behind to mourn her passing: husband Doug, daughter Dana, grandchildren Liam (Tessa, Rawley and Henry), Quinlan and Justyn (Frankie).

She will be missed by many dear family members, friends and lifelong neighbours. Sally suffered many losses in her life; her troubles and worries are over, and now she has found peace. 

A memorial service took place at Pincher Creek Community Hall on Sunday, April 6, 2025.

Memorial donations may be made to the Pincher Creek SPCA as well as Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories.

Arrangements entrusted to Eden’s Funeral Home.