We are sad to announce the passing of our mother, Sally Elaine (Thom) McAdams of Sapello, NM. Sally left her earthly family at the age of 86 on January 19, 2024, surrounded by family at home after a brief illness. Sally was born September 10, 1937, to James Thom, M.D. and Marion Lash. Sally graduated from Carson City High school in Carson City, NV in 1955 and went on to get her nursing degree from the Hospital School of Nursing in 1960 in San Fransisco, CA. During her time in nursing school, she met the love of her life Michael B. McAdams. They were married on March 20, 1960, and spent 44 years together until Michael preceded her in death in 2004. Despite Sally's physical limitations, due to a stroke she suffered when she was 38, they raised four children.

Sally's disability did not hinder her creativity, ingenuity or her ability to enjoy life and do things for herself, her family and others. Sally's career as a RN spanned from 1960 to 1985, working at various hospitals and health care facilities not only in Las Vegas, but also in Texas and California. She was also a member of the ESA sorority for a number of years in Las Vegas. After she retired in 1985, Sally volunteered with the auxiliary with NERH and later Alta Vista for a total of about 20 years. Sally loved to watch her hummingbirds arrive every summer and had a love for baking and always had fresh cookies in the cookie jar, homemade yeast rolls, and homemade gingerbread houses at Christmas. She took her first hot air balloon ride in 2004 and went on a cruise to Nova Scotia in 2006. She loved spending time with family as often as she could and built a very special relationship with each one.

Sally is preceded in death by her husband Michael B. McAdams, her parents James Thom and Marion Lash, stepmother Ruth Thom (1996), sisters Ruth Tannis (1998), and Shirley Colegrove (2005), along with numerous other relatives and friends.

Sally is survived by her children Mark McAdams (Judy), Miles McAdams, Marian Ruth McAdams and Dean Sean McAdams, all of Sapello, NM, very special niece Kim Tustin whom she loved like a daughter, her grandchildren, Robert Ortega (Lisa) of Albuquerque, NM, Alexis (Eric) McAdams of Las Vegas, NM, Shania McAdams of Sapello, NM, Karl M Gaines of Pendaries, NM, Brian Lucero (Celeste) of Rio Rancho, NM, Katrina Gaines of Sapello, NM, Daniel Gaines (Jaime) of Sapello, NM, Amber Ivanowski of Sapello, NM, Sean K Jaramillo (Stephanie) of Las Vegas, NM, and Jason Jaramillo of Las Vegas, NM, 12 great grandchildren and 2 great-great granddaughters. She is also survived by a stepsister, Carolyn Cleland of Indiana, along with numerous nieces and nephews and many, many friends from all over the US.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at 2:00 pm at Rogers Mortuary, Las Vegas, NM with Kendall McFall officiating. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers are her grandchildren. Her cremains will be interred privately at a later date.

Arrangements are entrusted to and under the care of Rogers Mortuary, 600 Reynolds Ave., Las Vegas, NM 87701, 505-425-3511 or 1-800-479-3511.