Sally Gundersen

Irene "Sally" Gundersen, passed away at her home in Asheville, North Carolina in the early morning hours of Sunday, November 12, 2018 with her loving companion Jim Langford at her side.  She was 81 years old.

Sally was born in Owosso Michigan on June 30, 1937 to Thurm Clifford Leland Felver and Leona Irene Griffin Felver.

Working since she was 14 years old, she held jobs as a waitress, a mortuary attendant, a cook, and a barroom bouncer.  And had lots of colorful stories to keep us entertained about all those adventures.

Sally raised 4 boys by herself and was known for teaching them camping and fishing skills. She loved taking her grandchildren on road trips especially back to Michigan where she grew up. One of her grandchildren calls her "Grandma Cat-tails" because she remembers her pointing out various plants when they were out walking.

You never had to wonder where Sally stood on any particular issue, and sometimes she was standing squarely on your toes! She expressed her opinions strongly, but she also expressed her love equally as strongly.  She will be remembered by many people for saying “give it to the Lord”.

She was known by her children and grandchildren for her “drill-sergeant” tough love, but it was to protect, teach lessons, and prepare the youngsters in her family for their future.  She believed in sharing what she had with others.  Her love extended to foster children, stray animals, friends, and extended family to whom she opened her home and her heart.

Sally is preceded in death by her parents, as well as numerous brothers and sisters.

She is survived by her sons Marvin James Fauth, Mark Alan Fauth and wife Robin, Phillip Fauth, Jr. (all of North Carolina), and Willard Michael “Bill” Burdeau and wife Debra of Foley, Alabama.  She is also survived by 7 grandchildren (Mariha Lyn Fauth, Kim Fauth-Newberry, Brittani Fauth Morrow, Jeremie Alan Fauth, Nicole Fauth, Brandon Michael Burdeau, and Dalton James Fauth) and 7 great grandchildren.

As much as Sally loved other people, she was not a particularly good sport, and the family tell stories of card throwing, coffee cup tossing, and table flipping when a game was not going her way. Her family has already wondered if Grandma Sally and Uncle Ed have been put in time out yet in heaven for playing/arguing over cards!

There will be no services held for Sally in accordance to her wishes. She asked that her remains be returned to the Au Sable River in Grayling, Michigan where she spent many happy times.

Her family is happy that she is no longer fighting for breath but will miss her more than we can say. You will be greatly missed Grandma Cat-Tails, thank you for a lifetime of memories. Thank you, Jim Langford, for taking such good care of Sally in her last days.

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