Sally Jo Bahr Epps, 80, of Rio passed away Monday, April 14, 2025 in the woods on her property in the village of Doylestown, WI. She was born on September 23, 1944 in Columbus, WI to Warren and Josephine (Sunde) Bahr Sr. 

She grew up on the family farm near Doylestown where she spent time with family and friends. She was a 1962 graduate of Rio High School. She attended college (UW-Stevens Point & UW- Whitewater) and received her Bachelor of Science and two Masters.

On September 4, 1965, Sally married Stephen Epps in Rio. They lived in Amherst, WI where she taught high school business education for the Tomorrow River School District. A few years later, she moved back to Rio and raised her children, Sunde and Joshua. At this time, she was teaching business education at Columbus High School. She transitioned into a high school guidance counselor and later moved into the business administrator role. While working, she always had time to support her children in sporting events and going to horse shows. She was active in the Columbia County 4-H Horse Council and later as a point system secretary in the Wisconsin Arabian Horse Association. Sally ended up retiring as the business administrator after 34+ years in the Columbus School District.

After retirement, Sally started a horse show secretary business for the Arabian horse community. During the summer, she was busy working horse shows held mainly in Michigan. She spent 17 years managing various club’s show offices. Sally met so many wonderful people who became life-long friends. When she wasn’t at a horse show, she loved to travel. She went on many cruises with destinations to the Caribbean, Alaska and down the Rhine River. Disney World was a favorite spot along with the many National Parks she visited. She also spent time exploring London, Ireland and Wales. She was an avid rock hound too.

Sally was always looking at the ground for a pretty rock. Many Colorado rocks found their way home in Sally’s truck. 

Sally was passionate about the community she lived in. She got her feet wet in government when she was elected on the Village of Doylestown’s Board of Directors and later as President. Family was important to Sally. She had many great memories spending quality time with cousins while growing up. She remained diligent throughout her adult years to coordinate cousin get-togethers, which included horse riding, golfing, cross-country skiing, 4-wheeling, and playing games. There was always much laughing and teasing amongst the cousins. She will be remembered as a generous, kind-hearted, loving person.

She is greatly missed by her husband Steve Epps of Rio; daughter, Sunde (Ross) Heidemann of Beaver Dam; son Joshua (Monica) Epps of Rio; grandson Dayton Epps of Rio; sister-in-law Beth Ann (George) Scott of Rio; brother-in-laws Paul Epps of Paonia, CO; David (Peggy) Epps of Galena, IL; Joseph (Jean) Epps of Cleveland, TX; Thomas (Lois) Epps of Black River Falls; many nieces & nephews; cousins; other relatives and friends. Sally was preceded in death by her parents Warren and Jo Bahr; her brother Warren Bahr Jr.; sister-in-law Susan Epps Amend and nephew Warren “Chip” Bahr III.

Special thanks to the volunteers of the Doylestown Fire Dept and Rio Fire Dept who responded to our need and devoted their time and expertise in the search efforts to find our mom. We can’t thank you enough.

In memory of Sally, a “Celebration of Life” will be held Saturday, June 28 from 11 am-3pm at Harvest Place LLC, N3486 Kreuziger Way, Juneau (Clyman) WI. In lieu of flowers or memorial, the family would like you to consider making a donation to the Doylestown Fire Dept or to your local Fire Dept.