Sarah "Sally" McGowan

Sarah L. “Sally” McGowan, 90, of Alma, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Heritage Home in Alma.

Born November 29, 1935, in Wamego, Kansas, Sally was the beloved daughter of George and Neva (Long) Shea. Her father was well known for his gardening, and Sally inherited his green thumb, delighting in planting flowers and tending to her outdoor spaces. She was first married to Larry Cassity, with whom she shared 22 years and raised a loving family. She was a Navy wife who lived in various places across the United States and Europe. In May 1976, Sally married Samuel L. McGowan, and together they enjoyed 48 wonderful years until Sam’s passing in March 2025.

Sally’s life was filled with devotion to her family and community. She is survived by her three sons: Paul Cassity (Tena) of Hartford, KS; John Cassity (Cindy) of Alma, KS; and James Cassity (Karen) of Grayslake, IL. She was a cherished grandmother to eleven grandchildren, Wyatt Fairchild (Jesse), Maggie Fairchild, Josh Johnson, Cole Cassity (DiShannon), Cord Cassity (Alexus), Nikki Cassity, Dakota Cassity, Alison Cassity (Joe), Emily Cassity, Sadie Cassity, and Cade Cassity; and great-grandmother to thirteen.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Sam; two daughters, Mary Elizabeth (Cassity) Fairchild Johnson and Shea Marie Cassity; a brother, James Shea (Wilma); and a sister, Mary Ann Schumacher (Loren “Cork”).

Sally was known for her warmth, generosity, and active involvement in her community. She was a talented seamstress who loved working on quilts and needlepoint, and she was an adventurous reader who often had three books going at once, depending on her mood.

Throughout her career, Sally worked at Dale’s Market, Wamego Hospital, St. Mary’s Hospital, and Mercy Hospital, where she was respected for her dedication and kindness. She also volunteered at the Wamego Historical

Museum, reflecting her love for local history and service to others. Notably, Sally was proud to be the first female EMT in Wamego, paving the way for others and serving her community with compassion and skill.

A Rosary Service will be held Saturday morning, February 7, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, with a Memorial Prayer Service immediately following, officiated by Fr. Swamy Nannam. Inurnment will take place at Wamego City Cemetery.

Visitation will be Saturday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home in Wamego.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Heritage Home in Alma. Please make checks payable to Heritage Home and send them to Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P.O. Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547