Marcella Mae “Sally” Haas, 98, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home on July 24, 2026. She was surrounded by her daughter, Susan Jones, and her son, Tim Haas.
Sally was born on May 24, 1928, in Alto, Wisconsin, to Elmer and Allie Duitman. Her parents were proud of their Dutch heritage, and family and church were central to her upbringing. Sally attended a one-room schoolhouse for grades one through eight and was the only student in her grade for several years. She later attended Waupun High School, graduating in 1945.
After high school, Sally left home to attend secretarial college in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Around that same time, she reconnected with a high school friend, James Robert “Jim” Haas. Their friendship quickly deepened, and Sally soon knew Jim was the one she wanted to spend her life with.
The couple married on August 4, 1948, and together raised three children: James Robert Haas Jr., Susan (Haas) Jones, and Timothy John Haas. They shared nearly 77 years of marriage and built a life centered on faith, family, and devotion to one another.
Sally was a dedicated wife and mother. As Jim’s career progressed, the family relocated several times, living in Baltimore, Maryland; Belleville, Illinois; Metuchen, New Jersey; and ultimately Overland Park, Kansas, where Sally spent the last 60 years of her life.
During retirement, Jim and Sally enjoyed traveling the world together. They explored the United States, sailed throughout the Caribbean, and visited Australia, New Zealand, and much of Europe, including Russia. They also spent many happy winters in Destin, Florida. Wherever they traveled, they formed lasting friendships and created cherished memories.
When asked about the pivotal moments in her life, Sally often reflected on leaving home to attend college in Oshkosh, marrying Jim, raising her children and watching them become responsible adults who contributed positively to their communities, moving far from familiar surroundings and meeting new people who enriched and influenced her life and being blessed with six healthy grandchildren.
Above all, Sally believed that family, friends, and love are life's greatest gifts. She lived her life guided by faith and the conviction that God is always loving and always near.
Sally was preceded in death by her husband, James Robert “Jim” Haas Sr., and her son, James Robert “Jim” Haas Jr.
She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Pam Haas; daughter, Susan (Steve) Jones; son, Tim (Kelley) Haas; grandchildren, Rob (Kelly) Haas, Stacey (Will) Gibson, Allison (Nate) Stedman, Brian (Elizabeth) Jones, Sydney (Zach Case) Haas, and Evan Haas; and great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn Haas, Leah Haas, Gianna Gibson, Emery Gibson, Harper Gibson, and Ben Stedman.
A Memorial Service will be held on August 3rd, 2026 at 10:30am in the Sanctuary at Rolling Hills Presbyterian Church, 9300 Nall Avenue, Overland Park, Kansas. A family gathering and reception will follow the service.
