Sallie Erlandson, 81, of Douglas passed away peacefully at Country Home Care AKA “Wilma’s Place” on May 18, 2018.
Sallie was born June 25, 1936, to William and Theodora Klug in Morgantown, W.Va. As a young lass, the family moved to Gary, Ind., where Sallie acted as second mother to her brothers William and Michael.
In her early 20s she met her future husband, Dave Erlandson. The two were married and bought the White House in Saugatuck, now known as Good Goods. There, they rented rooms and started their family. As the Saugatuck scene grew into a “party town” they looked for a home in Douglas and there they settled in for many years.
Sallie and Dave raised their family and welcomed many critters and extra kids into their life. She worked as a secretary at SPS and DES and later got her degree in Social Work from Grand Valley State. As a social worker, she was an advocate for children in the Ottawa County 0-5 preventative abuse program, and later she worked at Catholic Social Services in Grand Rapids.
Sallie was the first woman on the Douglas Village Council and she also worked on the committee to build the pavilion at Wicks park, always making time for others.
Later in life she enjoyed yard saleing with her good friend Sue Lark. They were a force to be reckoned with! Also, she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends at one of her favorite places, “Beach Haven,” the family cottage in Elberta. She had a soft spot in her heart for her grandkids, Nora, Kay and Luke who knew her as “Grammy” or “Candy Gram.”
Some people will remember her for her good council during tough times. Some may remember her for her sharp wit. She lived life on her terms, with no apologies and no regrets.
Sallie was preceded in death by an infant daughter Aimee.
She is survived by her children Douglas Erlandson, Mark Erlandson, Molly Erlandson and Tim (Brandy) Erlandson. Also, she is survived by her brothers William (Kathy) Klug of New Jersey and Michael (Jane) Klug of Florida; and her former husband, best friend, and strongest supporter, Dave Erlandson.
The family would like to thank Wilma and Gary Yates for their love and tender care at the end of Sallie’s life. Sallie’s ashes will be laid to rest in the Saugatuck Township Cemetery next to her daughter Aimee. A private memorial service will take place later this summer.
Donations can be made in her name for the proposed new Saugatuck-Douglas District Library building, P.O. Box 789, Douglas, MI 49406.
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