Sarah A. "Sally" Adams, 87, a resident of The Rose Assisted Living in Dubuque, IA, and formerly of East Dubuque, IL, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 7, 2016, at Mercy Medical Center, in Dubuque, IA, surrounded by her family.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 A/M, on Monday, June 13, 2016, at St. Mary's Church, in East Dubuque, with Fr. Dan Knepper officiating. Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2 P/M to 6 P/M, on Sunday, June 12, 2016, and from 8:45 A/M to 9:45 A/M, on Monday, June 13, 2016, at the Miller Funeral Home, in East Dubuque, where the parish scripture service will be at 1:30 P/M on Sunday.

Sally was born in East Dubuque, on June 29, 1928, the daughter of Thomas "Ed" and Anna (Cutler) Hampton. The oldest of four girls, and raised on a farm, she spent her childhood learning the meaning of hard work. She was a graduate of East Dubuque High School, Class of 1946.

On April 17, 1948, Sally married her love, Merlin A. Adams. Together the couple raised their family, built on love, faith and dedication. They spent many weekends camping with their family and friends. Sally and Merle were very active members of the East Dubuque Booster Club. Merle preceded her in death on January 25, 1992.

Sally was employed at Timmerman's Supper Club for over (40) years. She was a parishioner of St. Mary's Parish. Her involvement and service over the recent years with the Dubuque Sertoma Club brought her joy, as she was able to help her community and build lasting, loving friendships. Sally was awarded Sertoman of the Year.

Sally will be remembered as an incredibly strong and loving woman. She enjoyed crocheting, long car rides, a burger at the 19th Hole, a trip to Gooch's for pizza and an occasional beer on ice. Grandma Cookie, a name given by her great-grandchildren, loved to bake and kept her family's sweet tooth satisfied with plates of cookies and breads. All who knew her will sadly miss her smile, hugs and enormous heart.

Surviving are her children, David (Tina) Adams, Debra (Thomas, Jr) Spear and Donald (Kim) Adams, all of Dubuque, IA; daughter-in-law, Deborah Adams, of Hazel Green, WI; grandchildren, Amy (Andy) Francois, Justin (Carsen) Adams, Karisa Adams, Douglas (Dawn) Weber, Matthew (Sarah Stender, fiance') Weber, Christopher (Jenny) Weber, Ryan (Michelle Knockel, fiance') Spear, Jeff (Shelley) Spear, Zachary (Taylor) Adams, Samantha Adams; eighteen (18) great-grandchildren; her sisters, Marian (Norme) Binns, of Stockton, IL, and Alys (Dick) Deininger, of Galena, IL; many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; two (2) sons, Duane, on January 14, 1971, and Daniel, on November 9, 1996; parents; and sister, Carol Jordan.

The family would like to extend a "special thank you" to all who cared so passionately for Sally, especially Drs. Ward, Schope, Famuyide, Nelson, Mercy Medical Staff, Dubuque Specialty Care Staff, and her extended family and staff at The Rose.

In lieu of flowers, a Sally Adams Memorial Fund has been established.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com