Sally J. Wilks

Sally J. Wilks, 82, of Sackets Harbor and Little Falls, NY, peacefully passed away on June 5, 2024, at the Sunset Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Boonville.

She was born on January 28, 1942, in Watertown, NY, daughter of Howard and Viola (Allen) Burdick. Sally graduated from Watertown High School and furthered her education at the Syracuse School of Business Commerce. 

On April 1, 1961, Sally married Arthur J. Wilks III of Beaver River at the Asbury United Methodist Church in Watertown. The couple resided on Long Island, where Sally dedicated over 30 years as a secretary for Baxter Brothers Financial Services, retiring as the office manager. Arthur, a high school science teacher, taught at Beaver River High School and Southold High School on Long Island for over 30 years before retiring in 1992. In 1994, the couple relocated to Little Falls, NY, and split their time between there and their cherished cottage at Knobby Knoll in Sackets Harbor, where they spent every summer since their marriage. 

Sally had a zest for life, enjoying traveling, frequent visits to Disney World, and pursuing her hobbies of sewing, crocheting, and knitting. Most of all, she loved spending time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Arthur J. Wilks III, and their three children, Sheryl, and her husband Charles Hoffmeister of Waterville, NY, Shelly McCarthy and her companion, Shawn O’Dell of South Carolina and Sackets Harbor, NY, and Arthur J. Wilks IV and his wife Renee of Little Falls, NY; two sisters, Sharon Osborn of Manlius, NY, and Sue Rush of Dexter, NY along with eight grandchildren; Sage, Nick, Chris, Kainan, Kaitlyn, Alyssa, Connor, Keira, and Grayson and their families which include, four great-grandchildren; Cam, Nathan, Penelope, and Stevie, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

Arrangements are under the care of the Hart and Bruce Funeral Home in Watertown. 

A private graveside burial will be held for the family at Lakeside Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, June 16th, starting at 2 p.m., at the Red Barn at Knobby Knoll in Sackets Harbor. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sally’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association or Sunset Nursing Home in Boonville.

 Online condolences can be shared at www.hartandbrucefh.com.

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