Archive · 9 Jun 2025
80-Year-Old Architect Works as Bagger to Pay Wife's Bills
Gary, who used to design buildings, is now 80 years old and working at a grocery store.
He's doing this to pay for the medical bills from when his wife, Carol, was sick.
Carol had dementia and needed a lot of care, which cost a lot of money.
Gary promised to take care of her at home, and now he's working hard to keep that promise and pay off the debts.
A friend started a fundraiser to help him, and many people have already donated to support him.
He is grateful for the kindness of others.
Gary Saling, 80, is working as a grocery bagger to pay off his late wife's medical bills.
His wife, Carol, passed away from dementia, including Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.
Saling cared for his wife at home, leading to $80,000 in medical expenses.
He worked as an architect for most of his life and previously bagged groceries in high school.
A fundraiser initiated by a friend has collected nearly $40,000 to support him.
- Who
- Gary Saling
- What
- Working as a grocery bagger to pay his late wife's medical bills.
- When
- Began working in December 2020.
- Where
- Smith’s Market in St. George, Utah
- Why
- To honor his promise to care for his wife at home and cover the medical expenses.
- Name
- Gary Saling
- Age
- 80
- Former Profession
- Architect
- Current Job
- Grocery Bagger
- Location
- Utah
- Reason for Working
- To pay off wife's medical bills
- Fundraiser Amount Raised
- $40,000