Sally D. Esp

Sally D. Esp, 75, of Aledo, IL, passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on August 30, 1950, in Rock Island, IL, the daughter of Wallace and Martha (Vance) Lindburg. Sally was raised and educated in Viola, graduating from Winola High School in 1968. After raising her children, she returned to school and continued her studies at Black Hawk College in Moline, IL, where she earned her certification as a respiratory therapist.

On January 15, 1972, Sally married the love of her life, Leo “Mike” Esp, in Viola, IL. He survives her.

Sally dedicated her career to caring for others. She worked for many years as a respiratory therapist at Community Memorial Hospital, where her compassion and gentle nature touched the lives of countless patients. She later continued her service to the community at Axline Pharmacy in Monmouth.

Creative and talented, Sally found joy in card making and crafting. She loved tending to her flower gardens and nurturing her collection of houseplants, always finding peace and fulfillment in watching things grow. In recent years, she also discovered a new source of fun and freedom, exploring the outdoors on her e-bike.

Surviving Sally is her husband, Mike Esp; her children, Michael “Mickey” (Greg Cichecki) Esp, Jamie (Dan) Parish, Dan Esp; her grandchildren, Leo Esp, Lane Esp, Juniper Esp, Ashley Parish, Josie Parish, Rebecca Tharp, and Jacob Greene-Esp. Also surviving is one brother, Fred (Becky) Lindburg; and two sisters, Sandy (Ed) Hainline and Sonja Lindburg.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Cremation rites have been accorded. No visitation or services are planned at this time. Interment will be in Viola Cemetery at a later date. Memorials can be made to Relay for Life of Mercer County and can be sent to the funeral home. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL is in charge of the arrangements.