Sally (Brown) Trotter passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the age of 83, with her daughter, Kristen (Trotter) Oakley, and son, Claude (Clay) Trotter III, by her side.

Sally was born on July 1, 1942, to Cordley and Ollun (Ambrose) Brown in McCook, Nebraska, and later moved to Prairie Village, Kansas. She graduated from the University of Kansas, where she was a proud member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority. While in college, she met the love of her life, Claude Trotter Jr., and they were married in May 1964. Together, they were blessed with two children, Kristen and Clay.

Sally and Claude shared an adventurous spirit, and Claude's career provided opportunities for them to live and explore the world, including in Germany, Mexico, and Spain. They embraced each new culture with curiosity and enthusiasm, forming lifelong friendships and collecting memories that became part of their family's story. No matter how far their travels took them, Glen Ellyn, Illinois, and Fontana, Wisconsin, always felt like home.

Sally had a passion and a discerning eye for decorating, and every home she created - no matter how far the move or how brief the stay - reflected her warmth, creativity, and style. She loved to cook, was a voracious reader, and a fiercely competitive game player. Her strong will and determination made her a formidable opponent, a devoted mother, and a spirited companion.

Sally lost Claude unexpectedly in 2019, and her beloved sister, Margy Brown, passed away two years later. She then moved to Wheaton, Illinois, to be close to her children and grandchildren. Although her body grew weaker over the years, she never lost her wit or her sharp sense of humor. She especially cherished time with her family, whose presence brought her comfort and joy.

Sally is survived by her daughter and son; her son-in-law, Sean Oakley; her daughter-in-law, Julie (Nall) Trotter; and her five cherished grandchildren: Josh (and his wife, Cindy Allen), Samantha, and Megan Oakley, as well as Ryan and Mia Trotter.

Sally will be deeply missed, but her family finds comfort in the belief that she has been reunited with the love of her life, Claude, and her sister, Margy.

A private family service will be held to honor Sally's life. For those wish, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org).