Community shares in a ‘Show of Love & Support’ for Ralph and Chris Sally family
“I just would like to thank everyone for coming to show the love and support his family has. Every single person is to be thanked, including Ralph’s boss, S.A.E.S.A. Ambulance and Unadilla Fire,” says Ridge Owen. Seated: Ralph Sally. Back (l-r): Ridge Owen, Ken Kitley, and Wayne Risner. Photo credit: Don Lockhart.
by Tina Cole-Mullins
On Sunday, April 26, at a time of social distancing, an emotional celebration of love and support sprang forth to honor Ralph Sally of Stockbridge. The big-rig horn blasts could be heard for country miles as the community joined together for a “gravel-train parade.”
“It was definitely bittersweet and emotional,” shared Sally’s wife, Chris.
Residents watched from the safety of their homes or alongside the road as a parade of approximately 150 gravel-train trucks, semis, motorcycles, classic cars, and more paid tribute to the idea that “We are all in this together – In a Show of Love & Support for Ralph and Chris.”
“It was the most heartfelt day today. We love you guys,” longtime family friend Michelle Price reflected, through tears.
“Two thumbs up and a gold star for everyone who organized and participated in the parade today. It was a great turnout. I was somewhere in the middle of the lineup, and the big rigs, pickups, tractors, and cars showing community support stretched farther than I could see. But I could definitely hear the horns honking a mile away. Awesome job,” shared Marcy Tracy of Main Street Printing.
Tightknit communities come together, in good times and in bad. And in two weeks’ time, Ridge Owen and Wayne Risner, along with the S.A.E.S.A and Unadilla Fire Department—acting upon the suggestion of Dina Hackworth—pulled together this heartwarming community tribute to their friend.
“I started making phone calls, contacted the gravel-train site, and spread word that way, through Facebook and word of mouth,” Owen explained when asked how the event came to be.
The Sally family extends a huge thank you for the banner and to everyone for the kind cards, money, and words of encouragement. Photo credit: Don Lockhart.
Ralph Sally was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer and liver cancer in October. By February, the Sally family learned the cancer had spread to his lungs and abdomen. In April, Ralph went through intense chemotherapy. Then they learned that the cancer was aggressively growing inside his liver and, at that point, there was nothing more they could do. Ralph came home as a hospice patient. Chris Sally learned quickly how much life can change in just a short time.
“The Parade was in honor of our family. Because of Covid-19, having visitors was impossible for Ralph and our family. Ridge and a few others felt this was something that could honor Ralph as well as all his brothers in trucking. They could pay their respects to him and he could see them even if they could not visit.”
Although the virus has placed additional hardship upon the family, a select handful of family members and close family friends have been nearby to provide support and love.
Chris says the list of thank-you’s from her and the Ralph Sally family is an extensive one. It includes S.A E.S.A for helping to make the parade possible and for blocking off the roads to keep everyone safe, including all the gravel-train drivers, other drivers, riders, family, and friends. She specifically called out Ridge Owen, Dina Hackworth, Wayne Risner, Ken Kitley, and CG Lantis for getting the word out, and Don Lockhart for the photos and videos.
Chris Sally delivered her heartfelt appreciation in these words, “We are humbled by the love we were shown by our family, friends, and small community. It was an amazing day for our family because of all of you. It was nice to see Ralph smile again. Thank you for the kindness you showed our family today!”
May 4th, 2020 surrounded by loved ones sadly Ralph Sally lost his fight.
“I always told him it takes a long time to grow an old friend! Gonna miss you my ole friend but we will meet again” Wayne Risner shares in a final farewell close lifelong friendship.
“Ralph has been a great friend of mine since kindergarten, and we are still very good friends to this day, which is a rare thing…From out teenage days of running the roads, snowmobiling trips to the U.P., and now our grampaw days,” says Wayne Risner who provided this photo, shared by Chris Sally, of a special moment between Ralph and his grandchildren Spencer and Emma.
“Just remember, when we leave this world, we will be at peace. Celebrating life is what today was about. God bless you all!” says Mike Wolff. Photo credit: Don Lockhart.
Ralph Sally’s work truck leads the parade. Photo credit: Cami Ford.
Mike and Cheryl Norton participate in the event to share their support, with a convoy of rigs in tribute to Ralph Sally lined up behind them. Photo credit: Mike Norton.
