Obituary of Sally Rich McLafferty

Sally Rich McLafferty of Independence, age 76, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on July 15, 2023 at St. Elizabeth Hospice in Edgewood, KY. She was born in Covington, KY on March 4, 1947, to the late Bill Rich and Marjorie (nee Wentworth) Rich Baker. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her grandparents, Bluch and Marie “Aunt Rea” Rich. She leaves behind her loving daughter, Melissa (Keith) Foscardo; siblings, Robert Rich, Susan (Bob) O’Banion, John Rich, and Betty Gaskins; 4 nieces and 6 nephews; her dear friend Patti Brunst; her caregivers, Cheryl and Lisa, who lovingly helped care for her during her last year, as well as many other friends and relatives who will cherish her memory. 

After working for many years as a legal secretary, Sally obtained her Associate’s degree to become a paralegal. She drove to Eastern Kentucky University for night school 2 nights a week for several semesters.  She retired in 2014 after working in the legal profession for nearly 50 years.  

Everything Sally did in her life was driven by her passion. In her younger years, she showed horses with her daughter. Every summer weekend they could be found traveling to horse shows all over northern Kentucky.  Treasured memories were made during the yearly trips to the KY State 4H Fair. 

Sally was especially passionate about sports, politics, and NASCAR. She once met Jeff Gordon which, if you asked Sally, was probably the highlight of her life! She also loved UK basketball. To say she was a fan would be an understatement.  For close to 20 years, she dedicatedly purchased tickets in her beloved section 236 in Rupp Arena to “ensure” the Cats would win their home games. She enjoyed attending the SEC tournaments with her nephews and siblings.  Sally was strongly opinionated on many topics, never holding back her thoughts regarding politics, best sports teams, or any other topic she felt passionately about.  She was a mother, sister, aunt, and friend who will be deeply missed by those who loved her.  

A gathering of friends and family will be held on Thursday, July 20, 2023.  Attendees are encouraged to wear UK Blue in honor of Sally.   Visitation will be from 3:00 PM until shortly before the time of the memorial service at 5:00 PM. All ceremonies will take place at Chambers and Grubbs Funeral Home, 11382 Madison Pike Independence, KY 41051.  Memorial donations can be made in Sally’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital :  https://www.stjude.org/donate or to St. Elizabeth Hospice: St. Elizabeth Foundation c/o Hospice Programs 1 Medical Village Drive Edgewood, KY 41017.   To share a memory or to leave an online condolence to her family, please visit the corresponding tabs on this page.