Marcella Deloris "Sally" Black, age 92 of Eau Claire, died at Heatherwood Assisted Living on July 8, 2024. Sally was born in rural Rock Falls, Wisconsin on September 5, 1931. She was the daughter of John T. and Annabelle (Cowell) Ferigan. She attended the one-room Thomas school until she moved to Eau Claire when she was in the seventh grade, gaining the luxuries of indoor plumbing and electricity. She graduated from Eau Claire Senior High with the class of 1949.

Sally met the love of her life, Fred Earl Black, on a blind date in 1950. They were married on September 1, 1951 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Eau Claire. While Fred attended law school in Madison, Wisconsin, Sally worked at the Uniroyal tire factory in Eau Claire until the management discovered she was seven months pregnant. She spent the rest of her life keeping house and raising her family. Sally and Fred raised five children, Deborah, Lyle, Kevin, Curtis, and Joseph. She and Fred celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary shortly before Fred's death in 2011.

Sally was active in her children's lives, always being present for their sporting events, music concerts, and other performances. She served as den mother in the Cub Scouts. She was a volunteer with Triniteam for many years, serving the elderly population. Sally and Fred enjoyed camping in the summer and, in their retirement, often traveled to the southwest US to visit friends in the winter. They also spent time in Cancun and Puerta Villarta, Mexico for several winters. Sally enjoyed travel, playing cards, crafts, sewing, knitting, and cooking. She was an ardent fan of Elvis Presley and fulfilled a dream when she saw him in concert. Sally is survived by her children: Debbie (Steve) Keegan, Curt (Barb) Black, Joe Black and daughter-in-law, Eileen (Steve Danielson) Black, all of Eau Claire. She is further survived by fifteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren as well as sisters, Mary (Dick) Brown, Patty (Jake) Kueber and brother, Jack (Mary) Ferigan. Sally was preceded in death by her sons, Lyle and Kevin Black. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 AM on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at St. Olaf Catholic Church, 3220 Monroe Street, Eau Claire, with Father James Kurzinski officiating. Visitation will be on Friday, July 12, 2024 from 5 to 7 PM at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, WEST CHAPEL, 1405 North Clairemont Avenue, Eau Claire. There will also be visitation one hour prior to Mass at the church. Interment will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Omaha Street, Eau Claire. Online condolences may be shared at www.lenmarkfh.com.