Sally Lynn Mullaney, 75, of Piedmont, South Dakota, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2026, in Rapid City. Born on January 17, 1951, in Galesburg, Illinois, Sally was the daughter of Arvene Caldwell and Helen Wright Caldwell. She graduated from Galesburg High School in 1970 and carried her deep love for children into a lifelong vocation of care, teaching, and nurturing.

On May 22, 1994, Sally married the love of her life, Rich Mullaney, in Wheatridge, Colorado. Together they built a life grounded in compassion, service, and family.

Sally devoted her adult life to working with infants and young children. She operated her own day care for many years, becoming a trusted presence in the lives of countless families. Later, she continued her calling through her work with Baby Bear Hugs, a nonprofit organization where she supported young mothers and taught them how to care for their newborns. She retired in 2020, leaving behind a legacy of gentleness, patience, and unwavering kindness.

Sally is survived by her husband, Rich Mullaney; her children, Melissa Meuret and Eric Meiers; and her grandchildren, Tyler, Tanner, and Trever Meuret. She is preceded in death by her parents, Arvene and Helen Caldwell; her sister Mary Ann Ketcherside; and her brothers Tommy Caldwell and Perry Caldwell.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Unity of the Black Hills, 3645 Sturgis Rd., Suite 400, Rapid City, SD 57702.

Memorials may be given to Youth and Family Services 120 East Adams Street, Rapid City, SD 57701.

The family of Sally Mullaney wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Unity of the Black Hills community, the staff at The Village at Skyline Pines, and the care of Stillwater Hospice. To all the babies and young children who brought joy to Sally’s life and were blessed by her loving care. Sally found great joy in the comfort of Cocoa & Tinker Bell.