Valley residents gather to remember centenarian

About 100 friends and family members crowded in the small Coventry Cross Episcopal Church in Minden on Friday to commemorate the life of legendary activist and Valley centenarian Sallie Springmeyer. She died at the age of 104, on Dec. 23, in her home south of Gardnerville.

"I know Sallie is thrilled to have you here today," said the Rev. Shep Curtis, who led the group in prayers, hymns and sacrament. "We have all been part of a miracle. The fact that Sallie lived to 104 is beyond belief. But my experience and exposure to her has been wonderful."

In 2001, the University and Community College System of Nevada Board of Regents named Springmeyer a Distinguished Nevadan, its highest honor, for her contribution to the cultural and social advancement of the state.

"I'm a steward of the records of this state," said state archivist Guy Rocha who attended the funeral. "I've seen records of Springmeyer's work and all she did for those less fortunate."

Jill Derby, Chairwoman of the Nevada Democratic Party, agreed.

"I was blown away by the way she was her whole life," Derby said. "She had the courage to be a pioneer. We were lucky to have her in our community."

Born Aug. 22, 1903, in New York City, Springmeyer came to Nevada in 1931 where she met and married attorney George Springmeyer. She earned a law degree from University of Southern California and joined the Nevada Bar in 1936, one of the first women to practice law in Nevada.

In a previous interview, Springmeyer said her Bar membership opened up a lifetime of public service. She worked on the State Board of Health under three governors and worked on legislation protecting children. She also worked with her husband to reform parts of the Nevada prison system.

The Springmeyers commuted between Reno and the family's homestead ranch in Gardnerville, but when her husband died in 1966, Springmeyer decided to live on the ranch permanently.

Never remarrying, she spent her remaining years helping community programs like Carson Valley Hospice and the Douglas County Senior Center. Even into her 90s, she would gather flowers and take them to patients in local nursing homes.

Springmeyer's granddaughter, Mariah Evans, remembered how adept her grandmother was at promoting peace and reconciliation.

"When I was 8 years old, one of the cowboys on the ranch got drunk, grabbed a gun and said he was going to kill his brother-in-law," Evans recalled. "The man got in his car, and without the slightest hesitation, she (Springmeyer) went out there. She eventually calmed him down and I remember him turning off the truck and saying, 'Good night Mrs. Springmeyer' as he went inside the bunk-house to go to bed."

Long-time friend Carol Anderson knew Springmeyer from Reno and said every holiday season she would invite developmentally disabled children from nearby hospitals into her home.

"Her spirit helped so many children," she said.

Grandson George Zanjani said that when he was 15 years old, he asked her grandmother, who was then in her early 90s, to go hiking up Springmeyer Peak behind their ranch.

"I didn't think she'd come," he said. "But not only did she come, I was huffing and puffing trying to keep up with her."

Springmeyer's legacy lives on in the young bright eyes of Zanjani's two small children, Owen and Alexandra.

"I hope her determination, perseverance and generosity serves as an example for my kids," said Zanjani.

After the service, friends and family went to J.T. Basque & Bar to further celebrate the life of an exceptional woman.