Sally M. (Ritzer) Yellinski

Sally Marie Yellinski (Ritzer) passed peacefully on October 20, 2025, after a short battle with cancer. She had just celebrated her 83rd birthday surrounded by her loving family — and true to form, she was still smiling and making everyone else laugh.

Born in Dover on October 2, 1942, Sally grew up in Wharton with her parents, Chester “Bud” and Blanche Ritzer, and sisters Pat and Deb. After graduating from Morris Hills High School, she went on to Mountainside School of Nursing, where her lifelong calling to care for others truly began. Sally devoted more than 36 years as a Registered Nurse at Dover General Hospital, where her kindness and humor brought comfort to patients and colleagues alike.

In 1966, Sally married the love of her life, Constantine (“Connie”) Yellinski, and together they shared 59 wonderful years of love, laughter, and countless adventures. Their children, David and Dawn (Jacobsen), and later their grandchildren, were the lights of her life. Nothing made Sally happier than time spent with her family — unless, perhaps, it was a good cup of coffee and a cat in her lap.

Sally was endlessly creative, always knitting, crafting, or dreaming up her next project. She and Dawn especially loved making and selling their handmade papercrafts at local shows — and Sally could charm even the grumpiest passerby into buying “just one more card.” A lifelong lover of animals, she gave many cats and dogs a loving home (and probably more treats than any vet would recommend).

Her family and friends will remember her infectious laugh, her joyful spirit, and her ability to make any situation brighter. She often said that laughter was the best medicine — which was fitting for a nurse, though her sense of humor occasionally outperformed modern medicine.

Sally was preceded in death by her parents, Chester “Bud” and Blanche Ritzer, and her sister, Pat Trimmer. She is survived by her devoted husband, Connie; their children, David (Tracie) and Dawn; her sister, Deb (Finney); her cherished grandchildren, Brody, Jake, Rachel (Dan), and Ryan (Ri); and many nieces, nephews, and friends who adored her.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the incredible nursing staff at Overlook Summit for their compassionate care in Sally’s final days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Father John’s Animal House in Sparta – a cause close to Sally’s heart.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Sally’s life at Bermingham Funeral Home in Wharton on Wednesday, October 22, from 4–7 p.m., with a service beginning at 7 p.m.

Entombment will be private.

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