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Sally Jo Bishop, age 78, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2025, with her husband John and family by her side.
Sally was born on September 19, 1947, in Billings, MT to Dan and Dorothy Hagerman.
Sally attended Highland Elementary, Lincoln Junior High, and Senior High graduating in 1965. Sally enrolled at Eastern Montana College and earned her degree in Special Education with a minor in music and physical education.
After graduating, Sally worked at the YWCA where she directed the Y Teen program. Here she made many lifelong friends. She was then put in charge of young adults with disabilities. This is where she met her husband John, who was one of the volunteers at the Saturday morning program.
Shortly after, Sally was offered a job at School District 2. Sally taught special education at Lincoln Junior High School, Skyview High School, and Riverside Middle School. Her teaching career lasted 35 years. She constantly talked about missing her students.
Sally and John were married on November 26, 1976. To this marriage was born Travis, who was the love of Sally and John’s life. Travis was born with a congenital heart defect and passed away in 2023 after a very fulfilling life.
Sally enjoyed tole painting and painting pumpkins every year. Sally was known all over town as the “Pumpkin Lady.” She constantly had people coming up to her telling her how much they enjoyed the painted items they purchased from Sally years ago.
Sally’s grandchildren, Emilee and Brodie, were the love of her life. She constantly bragged about them. She let everyone know what good kids they were and how they excelled in sports and academics. She loved them very much.
Sally is survived by her husband, John, her daughter in law Becky Bishop, and grandchildren Emilee and Brodie Bishop.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dan and Dorothy Hagerman, and son Travis Bishop.
Sally is now reunited with Travis and is free of the pain she suffered for years. Her family can take comfort knowing that Sally and Travis are now their guardian angels looking after them.
Services will be held at Smith West Chapel, 304 34th Street West, on Thursday, December 11th at 12:00 noon.
Memorials may be sent to the Shriners Children's Hospital or St. Jude’s.
https://www.smithfuneralchapels.com/obituaries/Sally-Jo-Bishop
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Jim Hopper
I first met Sally in 7th grade at Lincoln (I went to Broadwater). We were both in Mrs. Boyd's home room.
I didn't know what a "special" teacher she was. Rest in peace Sally.
Marla Connor (Davenport)
I am both shocked and sad to hear about Sally's passing. She was one of the first friends I met when we moved to Billings when we were in third grade. She lived just a block away. We attended Highland school, Lincoln, Senior High and EMC together. We both played clarinets in the bands.. Sally and her mother were great friends and helped arrange for gowns for our wedding when a truck strike interrupted the delivery in time for the wedding. I've only visited with Sally a couple of times since our graduation and was hoping to see her at the last reunion. She was a very sweet person and her family and friends will miss her terribly! My sympathy and hugs for all.
Jane Nordlund (Billstein)
I lived down the block from Sally on Parkhill Dr. Her family had the scariest cocker spaniel!Gary Beeler
When my wife Linda Parent Beeler started teaching special ed at Riverside, she first did her student teaching in Sally's room. She was just telling me what a wonderful teacher she was.
David Bergeson
Can't remember how far back I knew Sally but suspect it was first grade or before. Even remember walking a couple of blocks to Highland with her ane stopping for penny candy at Trinka's Market. She was fun and easy to be around. Bought my first tux from her mother's Treasure Costume Supply. Sad to see another lifelong friend pass.
Kim Nybo (Gambish)
Sally was my first friend when I moved from Columbus to Billings. We all started at Lincoln together. We stayed friends all through junior high. My memories at Sally's house are vivid to this day.