Sally Lee Wait-Mitchell

With a radiant smile and a grateful, generous heart, Sally Lee Wait-Mitchell lived a life rich in faith, family, and friends. Sally was never still for long. "Always bopping around," she lived every moment to the fullest, with intentionality, humor, and love. Sally genuinely loved people and always led with her servant's heart, selflessly giving in hopes of making life a bit better for others, with nothing expected in return. A beautiful woman of many talents, Sally will long be remembered for her passion for music and her fierce love for her family and friends.

Sally was born May 5, 1939 in Bloomingdale, MI. At the age of five, Sally learned to play piano and dance with her dad, who had a side job tuning pianos by ear. These early experiences proved the seeds of her lifelong passion for music, first learning the blues and eventually moving toward gospel and Christmas music. Sadly, Sally's mother died when she was only six years old and the oldest of four daughters. Fortunately, she found good company among her sisters, step-sisters, and half-sisters. She and her sisters loved to laugh and found almost anything humorous.

On May 16, 1958, just after graduating from Bloomingdale High School, Sally married Kenneth Wait, who worked briefly for Gibson Guitars before working as an electrician at Independent Elevator Company until his retirement. Over their 49 years together, the couple shared many joys and a few heartaches. Their son Jerry was born, followed in time by Kathy and Cindy. Sally devoted herself to creating a loving and supportive home and was always involved when the kids were in school. The family enjoyed going up to Silver Lake for dune buggy rides every weekend and took a three-week-long road trip by car across the country, exploring the states on the way to and from Arizona, California, and Oregon.

Sally's father and husband built the family's Kendall house, which included her salon, Sally Lee’s Beauty Shop, which she owned and operated for multiple years. In 1981, once the children were grown, they moved to Otsego, Michigan, for new beginnings. Sally loved shoes and was always well put together; she had to look right but not fussy or over the top. She worked for Kal-Equip assembly, and though it was not her calling, she loved working.

Sally's garden was filled with bright, beautiful flowers, and her kitchen with wonderful, humble meals and baked goods. Sally loved cooking and baking; everything was effortless and delicious. Her daughters fondly recall watching their mother make cinnamon rolls and pies, lovingly rolling and mixing everything together. Once, while making Kathy's favorite, stuffed peppers, the pressure cooker exploded. Always busy, Sally played piano and organ for church and learned to quilt, loving making quilts for everyone. Sally had a great eye for design, she took care in picking out quilt colors and material. She was very meticulous in picking out each and every birthday card for her loved ones. She had the most beautiful cursive handwriting.

When her family grew to include grandchildren, Sally enthusiastically welcomed her new role. She nurtured close relationships with the grandkids, learning to text so she could stay in touch as their lives grew busier and she really loved using her favorite happy emojis. She also learned to order her groceries online. Sally loved playing music and singing for the grandkids, and they especially loved how she sang "Open Arms." Such a loving and doting mother and grandmother, she always asked to be the chaperone for their special trips.

As summertime was Sally's favorite season, in retirement, she wanted to live in the sunshine and warmth of Florida. Her sisters followed her and attended church together, where they continued to enjoy singing well into their 80s. Sally and her sisters practiced many hours to provide music for church services, especially for the Christmas Cantata.

After her husband passed away in 2007, Sally's long friendship with fellow church member Jim Mitchell bloomed to something more. Jim and Sally married on August 22 and shared sixteen years of a loving marriage, making new memories. Sally gained not only a loving husband, but became very close to Jim’s children and grandchildren, whom she loved and adored.

No matter the day, Sally refused to be negative. She was determined, bubbly, smiley all the time, and the ultimate hostess. She refused to ask for or expect things, preferring to do things herself. She wanted to make things pleasant for others, especially on holidays, when she cooked more than was needed and ensured everyone had more than they could ask for.

As we celebrate Sally's beautiful life, may we find much comfort in our many treasured memories of the remarkable woman we were so blessed to know. May we also find comfort in the honor of carrying her legacy of faith, hope, and love forward. In each moment we welcome the day as a gift, lead with positivity, generously share our time and talents in service of others, cheer on our loved ones' dreams, enjoy a day in the sun, or share a smile and hearty laugh, we keep Sally's memory alive and inspiring everyone to choose wholehearted living.

Sally Lee Wait-Mitchell, Age 86, died on December 10, 2025. Sally was born May 5, 1939 to Vernon and Florence Plum. Sally was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Kenneth L. Wait; and sister Wanda Smith.

She is survived by her husband of 16 years, Jim Mitchell; her children, Jerry (Paula) Wait, Kathy Wait and Cindy Jo (John) VanderVeen; grandchildren, Jamie Morton, Jerri Christenson, Jerry Wait, Antonio Leduc, Brian Leduc and Ashley Atwood; 8 great-grandchildren; siblings, Myrna (Guy) Westcott, Doris (John) Ritsema, Lee (Tom) Hutt, Pauline (Bruce) Wilson, Darlene Rowlison; and many nieces and nephews.

Sally’s family will receive visitors on Friday, December 20, 2025 from 5-7 PM in the Life Story Center at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900 where food, refreshments, and stories can be shared. A Life Story Service will take place on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 11 AM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes. Burial will follow the service at Kendall Cemetery at 1 PM (CR 388, Kendall, MI).

Celebrate Sally’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Buckhead Ridge Baptist Church (1731 Hunter Rd, Okeechobee, FL 34974).