Sally Leal, 62, of Custer, SD, passed away on February 19, 2018 at the Custer Regional Hospital.

Sally Jo Ballinger was born on December 13, 1955, in Cody, WY, to Lee Alfred and Madge Eleanor (Peterson) Ballinger. She spent her early life at the family ranch on the Southfork, where she made friends of all ages, developed a compassion for others and acquired a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility at a very young age.

Sally attended schools in Cody and Bridger, MT, where she was a basketball player and friend to all. Following graduation from Bridger High School in 1974, Sally worked for Pierce Packing in Billings. During that time, she met Frank Leal and they made a life together for 42 years. Jobs took them from Montana to Forest Grove, OR, Lemon, SD, and Tacoma, WA, before settling in Custer on Sally's birthday in 1994.

Sally loved her family, friends and the Denver Broncos and never missed an opportunity to offer help or brighten someone's day. Whether working in her yard, plowing snow for the neighborhood, enjoying family gatherings, or connecting with friends, Sally did it with love in her heart. A woman of faith, she attended the Living Outreach Church in Custer and retired last month after working for many years in the health care industry as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Sally is survived by her husband Frank Leal of Custer; two children, Daniel Leal of Granite Falls, WA and Penelope (Jeff) Surber of Savannah, GA; brothers, Patrick (Jennet) Ballinger of Dubois, WY, James (Kay) McCormick of Buffalo, WY; Randy (Tona) Ballinger of Austin, TX, and Lee (Patricia) Ballinger of Cody, WY; sisters, Bonnie Dickinson of Colstrip, MT and Shirley Bales of Cody, WY; sister in law Sharon Ballinger of Sterling, CO; four grandchildren Jordan, Brant and Bryce Surber, and Carmelina Leal; aunt Phyllis Lundvall of Powell, WY; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; step-mother Gladys Larson Ballinger, sister Joyce Ballinger, brother Dick Ballinger, and brothers-in-law Dan Dickinson and Art Bales.

Services will be held at a later date. Online condolences to the family may be made through Chamberlain McColleys Funeral Home at www.mccolleyschapels.com.