Sally Jane Dunson

Sally J. Dunson, 86, of Central Lake, passed away on February 2, 2026. She was born on March 31, 1939, in Grayling, the daughter of Herbert “Peanut” and Agnes (Henderson) Van. 

Sally was raised in Rapid City surrounded by a large family. She attended the Traverse City Academy of Cosmetology becoming a cosmetologist for many years. Her and her husband owned and operated the Central Lake Standard Station. They also owned a local furniture stripping and refinishing business known as the Village Stripper. She ended her career retiring from De-Sta-Co after 18 years. 

After retiring her and Jim bought a small place in Lady Lake, FL where they enjoyed many winters enjoying the sun, golfing, potlucks, square dancing and taking and teaching art classes. Sally was active in the Central Lake Chamber of Commerce where she built and decorated the float representing Central Lake by pulling it in parades from Traverse City to Sault Ste. Marie and small towns in-between. 

After she hung up her staple gun she still participated in the 4th of July parade by announcing the parade for years. Sally was a wonderful artist and had varied artistic interests including making porcelain dolls, basket weaving, knitting and cake decorating. Sally was a watercolorist and created many beautiful watercolor paintings that she exhibited, sold and donated to local fundraisers. 

On May 26,1962 she married James Dunson who precede her in death. Also preceding her in death were her parents and 4 siblings; Richard Van, Herbert Van, Rhonda (Van) Vasher, and Gregory Van. 

Surviving are her 3 children, Cynthia (Bryan) Rogers, Van (Ann Marie) Dunson and Jennifer (Matt) Gabris all of Central Lake. 4 grandchildren, Dustin (Paige) Rogers, Scott Dunson, Cody Rogers and Stephanie (Tyler) Meadows. 4 great-grandchildren, Sawyer and Saylah Rogers and Maverick and Dawson Meadows. Also surviving is her brother Edward Van and many special nieces and nephews. 

Visitation will be on Thursday, February 5, 2026 from 5-7 p.m. at the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Funeral services will be on Friday, February 6 at 11:00 a.m. also at the funeral home with additional visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the beginning of services. The family would like to invite you to a luncheon that will be held immediately following the funeral service at the Veterans Center in Central Lake. Sally will be buried privately in Southern Cemetery alongside her late husband James.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be given to the Sally Dunson Memorial Fund, to honor her love and dedication of the 4th of July festivities, c/o Alden State Bank, PO BOX 515, Central Lake, MI 49622. 

Arrangements are in the care of the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign her online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.