Sarah "Sally" Mays

Sarah “Sally” Mays, 76, of Franklin, passed away early Wednesday morning, May 22, 2024  at The Collins House, after a battle with cancer.

Born in Franklin on May 20, 1948, she was a daughter of the late Lewis and Martha Jane Ellis Judson.

Sally was a 1966 graduate of Franklin School and a 1970 graduate of Allegheny College with a bachelor’s degree in political science.

Upon college graduation, Sally went to work at Gallaudet University in the Admissions Department. She then moved back to Franklin a few later and began working for Venango County where she retired after nearly 30 years as Executive Director, of Venango County OEO.

Sally served on the board for the United Way for several years and was President in 1988.

She enjoyed reading, bowling, bingo, knitting and gambling.  An avid golfer, Sally recorded a hole in one at Sleepy Hollow Golf Course. Growing up, she was the champion at playing jacks and could outlast everyone in a hola-hoop contest.

She married John “Jack" Bennett Mays on November 7, 1981, it was his request to get married that week because it fell between football and basketball season. He preceded her in death on August 27, 2017.

Surviving are two sisters, Amy Judson Burak and Betsy Judson, both of Franklin; a step son, Dr. Robert W. Mays and his wife Dr. Jill Sangree of Shaker Heights, Ohio; two step granddaughters, Eliza and Nora, a brother-in-law, John McConnell of Franklin and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Ted Judson and his wife Diane, sister Susie McConnell and brother-in-law, Paul Burak and nephew, John Judson.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 312 West Park St. Franklin where family and friends are welcome from 3:00 – 6:00 P.M on Friday.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday in the funeral home chapel with Father Shawn Clerkin, of St. John's Episcopal Church, officiating. 

Interment will follow at Sunset Hill Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Collins House c/o The Venango VNA Foundation 491 Allegheny Blvd. Franklin or Precious Paws 720 Atlantic Ave, Franklin.

The family would like to thank the staff of Sugar Creek Station, The Caring Place and especially the Collins House.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.Huffguthrie.com.