In Memory of Sally Porter

Sally A. Porter, age 87, of Odebolt, Iowa, took her Lord and Saviors hand on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Odebolt Specialty Care Nursing Home in Odebolt, Iowa.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the Arthur Evangelical Free Church of Arthur, Iowa. Pastor Dave Schultz and Pastor Billy Bergman will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Hayes Township Cemetery of Arthur, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a Prayer Service at 6:45 p.m., Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Odebolt, Iowa.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home in Odebolt, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Sally Ann (Frank) Porter was born on March 9, 1938, in Cherokee, Iowa, the youngest child of Paul and Cressa (Copple) Frank. Her early years began in Washta, but in 1942 the family moved to Alden, where the roots of her life would grow deep and strong.

As a little girl, Sally learned determination early, walking two miles each way to Country School #7 for kindergarten and first grade. She later attended school in Alden through fourth grade and Buckeye through eighth, graduating from Alden High School with the Class of 1956. She continued her education at Ellsworth College in Iowa Falls, earning a secretarial and accounting certificate. Not long after, she met the young man who would change everything Charles “Chuck” Porter the love of her life.

Sally and Chuck were married on November 17, 1957, in Alden. Together they built a life full of laughter, hard work, and faith, welcoming six children: Peggy, Mike, Pam, Mary, Jim, and Valerie. Chuck’s career with International Harvester carried the family from town to town, beginning in Iowa Falls and finally landing in Odebolt in 1971, the place they would forever call home.

For one year, Sally worked in the accounting department at Ralston Purina. But her most important work was at home, where she poured her energy into raising her children, keeping the house running, and creating a place where everyone felt welcome. When her youngest started school, Sally stepped back into the workforce at the Odebolt Bakery, where she spent ten years greeting friends and neighbors. Later, she became the activity director at Odebolt Specialty Care, a role perfectly suited to her servant’s heart and gift for making people feel seen. She retired in 2000, though “retirement” never slowed her love of helping others; she continued part-time as an activity’s helper at Willow Dale Wellness Village in Battle Creek for several more years.

Sally believed in showing up for her community. Whether it was Tuesday Club, Music Boosters, working the polls at election time, or lending a hand to the United Fund, she gave her time generously and quietly, simply.

At church camp in Okoboji, Sally accepted Christ as her personal Savior, a decision that shaped the rest of her life. She became a faithful prayer warrior, lifting her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to the Lord every single day. At Arthur Evangelical Free Church, she wore many hats, but none more dear to her than teaching Sunday school. Generations of children learned from Sally’s gentle voice and steady faith about the love of Jesus and the joy of knowing Him personally.

Her hands were rarely still. Sally was a talented seamstress, lovingly sewing her daughter’s wedding gown and many other treasures. She delighted in her flowers, in a tidy home, and especially in long visits filled with stories, laughter, and the comfort of being together.

If you asked Sally what mattered most, her answer was simple: her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and her family. Everything else flowed from there.

She leaves behind a legacy of faith and love in her children: Peg (Bill) Bahr of Iowa Falls; Pam Porter of Odebolt; Mary (Ted) Simpson of Centerton, Arkansas; Jim Porter of Arthur; and Valerie (Mike) Bechtold of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota; daughter-in-law Michelle Porter of Ida Grove; honorary son Rick Chelsvig of Roland; 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren: Michael (Jennifer) Bahr and children Lincoln and Steven, Matthew Bahr, Dakota (Tristan) Bengford and children Axel, Greyson, Blakeleigh, and Rainleigh, Devin Bechtold, Olivia Bechtold, Ruby Bechtold, Nathan Porter, Will Porter, Gabe Porter, and Sophia Porter; sister-in-law Velma Frank of Indianola, Iowa; and extended family and friends.

Sally was welcomed into heaven by her parents, Paul and Cressa Frank; her husband, Chuck Porter; her son, Mike Porter; her granddaughter, Pamela Susan Bahr; and her brothers, P. Harold (Sheila) and Donald Frank.