Sally Dee (Johnson) Gamblin Haight

Sally Dee (Johnson) Gamblin Haight, 91, of Meridian passed peacefully on February 13, 2026. A private service will be held.

Sally was born on October 16, 1934, in Spokane, Washington, to Lewis C. and Lydia Johnson. Sally's early years revealed a young woman of remarkable character. At Ephrata (Washington) High School, she served as Treasurer of the A.S.B., President of the Girls Club, and a member of both the National Honor Society and Pep Club. Nominated by classmates and faculty for the Daughters of American Revolution Pilgrim Award, given to students who exemplify service, leadership, and patriotism, she was already becoming the person her community would long admire. In May 1952, at just 17 years old, Sally was crowned Queen of the Columbia Basin Water Festival and traveled to Hollywood for a week of radio, television, and movie appearances. Poised beyond her years, she conversed easily with politicians and spoke at public events throughout her reign. Her love of swimming, skating, singing, and playing piano and organ would remain with her for the rest of her life. In Sandpoint, Idaho, she met and married Arthur Gamblin, a high school teacher, while she worked at the local jewelry store. They married in November 1954 and started building a family: Alan (1955), Mike (1957), Susan (1958), and Bob (1961), all born in Sandpoint. The family made their way through Bonners Ferry and Nampa, Idaho, before settling in Enumclaw, Washington, where Art established Gamblin Motors, a family General Motors dealership that became a cornerstone of the community. It was in Enumclaw that Sally took on a challenge that would define a generation of local swimmers. With characteristic determination, she transformed the fledgling Enumclaw Dolphins into an area powerhouse. She carried warm memories of countless swim meets for the rest of her life, including those of her own children who were skilled swimmers as well. Sally married Charles Haight in October 1985. The couple moved to Boise, Idaho, in 1987, and in 1990 purchased acres of land in Council, Idaho, a property her grandchildren would remember as a true wilderness playground, with the Weiser River running through the front yard and the Idaho Northern & Pacific Railway passing through the back. Those twenty years in Council left a lasting imprint on everyone fortunate enough to visit. When the property became too much to maintain, Charlie and Sally relocated to Grangeville, Idaho, where they spent thirteen happy years before moving to a memory care facility in Meridian in 2021. Sally was a woman of deep gifts and generous spirit. As a pianist and choir director, she brought music to her LDS congregation and community for decades, and working with children and youth in her LDS faith brought her tremendous joy. She was a devoted breeder of Golden Retrievers, and her dogs, by all accounts, were the happiest dogs that ever lived. Her garden supplied her kitchen, and her kitchen supplied her family with recipes now treasured by her grandchildren. She was a voracious reader with an ever-expanding library, a lively conversationalist, and an even better listener. She had a rare gift for making everyone feel seen and welcome. She was beautiful, classy, caring, and funny, and she will be profoundly missed.

Sally is survived by her husband Charles Haight; her children Alan (Jeri) Gamblin of Enumclaw, Michael (Carmen) Gamblin of Boise, Susan Gamblin of Enumclaw, and Robert (Lori) Gamblin of Winthrop, Washington; 13 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lewis C. and Lydia Johnson; her brothers Lewis F. and Robert Johnson; and her grandson Trevor Gamblin.