Comments on: A New Christmas Carol and an Unexpected Helicopter Ride

By: David Payne

David Payne — Sun, 25 Oct 2026 19:59:27 +0000

I’ve loved your music for years and years, and while I’ll miss any new music you otherwise might have written, I will be content with the volume of music you have already written that enriches all our lives–for now. May God grant you a full and speedy recovery–for you and your loved ones, but also so you may continue to enrich our lives with the beautiful gift you have.

By: Sherry Bohn

Sherry Bohn — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 21:39:14 +0000

I am heartbroken to hear of your health crisis. May God bless you to fully recover.. I am 82 yeara old, and I have been in all music positions — organist, choir director, music chairman, etc. in many wards from Oregon to Utah to California to Florida, and Idaho. I have used your beautiful music to give joy, enlightenment, and peace to our congregations. Thank you for sharing your amazing talents.. I love you and which you joy and good health soon.

By: Meledie Knopf

Meledie Knopf — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 15:42:16 +0000

Safe in Mary’s Arms. What a beautiful title. But, I have a better one just for YOU, sweet Sally, Safe in the Lord’s Arms. Whatever you’re experiencing right now, if there’s one person on this earth who knows our Savior, it’s you. He’s there for you and will help you get through this crisis. I will miss your new music additions, but what you’ve created over the years is a true treasure! We’re using one for our Stake Conference November 7th, “Peace, Peace Be Still.” It’s certainly something you need right now, peace. Be Still and know that the Lord is right by your side. Thank you for all you’ve done to enrich so many lives with your gift. You’re in my prayers. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

By: Susan Rech Wilcox

Susan Rech Wilcox — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 04:44:04 +0000

You are going to be the most MISSED musician in the church. From another Musician….
Take care of yourself. Sometimes things come to and end for a very good, or very BIG reason.

By: Stephanie Buckley

Stephanie Buckley — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 09:38:10 +0000

Dear Sister DeFord,

I have loved and sung your songs for years. Today, while searching online for another piece, I read about your stroke. In fact, I had just told someone how much I would love to meet you one day, simply to thank you for your generosity in sharing so many beautiful melodies and harmonies with us over the years—and offering them all for free. What a beautiful example of living the law of consecration.

You have blessed the lives of so many people. I will include you in my prayers, asking the Lord to strengthen and sustain you.

I am so grateful that you are still here with us, and deeply grateful for all that you have given—and continue to give. Many, many thanks.

By: Tricia

Tricia — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 22:16:14 +0000

Sally my heart aches reading this. I’m so glad you survived but what a long road. I’ll be praying for you. You’ve blessed my life in ways you will never know and I will always be grateful for all you’ve shared to bless so many over the years. You are truly a gift and I hope it is in God’s plan to allow you to write or arrange again someday. But if not, you’ve left a legacy of beauty. Thank you for all your music and the little piece of your heart you put in every beautiful song

By: Janet Harvey

Janet Harvey — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 20:21:37 +0000

I am sitting once again listening to music you have written or arranged. It continues to touch my soul. Thank you so much for the beauty you have shared.

By: Delores Pedersen

Delores Pedersen — Fri, 01 May 2026 23:01:21 +0000

Sending hugs and prayers. You are still such a talented angel to all of us.

By: Loretta Benson

Loretta Benson — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 03:42:27 +0000

We love your music, and pray for a full recovery from your stroke.

By: Jaimie

Jaimie — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 23:39:56 +0000

In reply to Sheri Wille. I would love an update as well. I cried for her when I first read this post, and I don’t even know her! But I do—because I bear testimony through her beautiful testimony generously borne on this site. God bless sweet Sister Sally.