"I met Sarah before she married my cousin James and found her to be a loving and caring Christian person. Lorraine and I extend our deepest sympathy to the family. Bob Pergande, Winter Haven, Florida"
In loving memory of
Sarah Hovey
August 25, 1924 - December 6, 2018
Sarah Nell Hovey was born August 25, 1924 in Algona to Henry and Alice (Wise) Phillips. Sarah grew up in Algona and graduated from Algona High School. After high school she worked as a bookkeeper and in daycare.
Sarah was united in marriage to James Stebbins on January 30, 1943 in Algona. To this union they had 4 children. James died June 29, 1961. She later married Claire Hovey on June 14, 1964 in Sutherland, IA. She enjoyed camping, baking, and cake decorating. Sarah loved spending time with her family and watching her grandkids. She was member of Hillcrest Baptist Church and the Ladies Fellowship.
Sarah died Thursday, December 6, 2018, at Aver McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of 94.
Sarah is survived by her children, Alice (James) Zaugg of Algona, Carol (Bob) Hauptmann of Mountain Home, AK, Jim (Marcia) Stebbins of Algona, Gina (Russell) Darling of Madison, WI; 11 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchildren, and sister, Florence Pickard of Mason City.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, James Stebbins and Claire Hovey, parents, Henry and Alice Phillips, brother, Andy (Pauline) Phillips, and sister, Doris McBride.
Funeral Service for Sarah was on Saturday, December 8, 2018, at Hillcrest Baptist Church, Algona. Burial was in East Lawn Cemetery, Algona.
Tributes
"Sarah was my babysitter growing up. My sister and I spent countless hours at her home, and she and Claire quickly became "grandma and grandpa" to us. She was one of the nicest people you could ever meet. She will be missed!"
"What a joy it has been to know this great lady. So wish we could be with you as you bid her good night. She has entered that city where there is no night. She is rejoicing with Clare who went on before her. We will miss her much. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." Psalm 116:15. We will miss her much but her Saviour has called her to be in his presence."
"So sorry for your loss you are all in my thoughts and prayers"
" I worked with Claire at Algona Municipal Utilities. We always appreciated Sarah's homemade cherry cinnamon rolls. They were delicious. I am sorry for your loss; but I am happy to think that she and Claire are back together for eternity. She was a wonderful woman!"
"What a beautiful lady, inside and out Sarah Nell was. We loved her like an aunt. How "lucky" she is to spend Christmas with Jesus!! Praying for all of you, her family, as you mourn her not being here with you. Prayers for comfort are being lifted up. "
"Our thoughts and Prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. We were just talking about her the other day. She is now in God's hands and some day all will be reunited. Love to all "
"I am so sorry to hear this! Sarah and Claire were wonderful people and treated me with love and respect when Gina and I worked together at Hardee's and became friends. Heaven gained another angel and I take comfort in knowing she is with Claire again! May they both RIP!
Kelly Carlton"
"I loved this lady. She was a honorable woman of God. She didn't hesitate to love and support me with her prayers when I was struggling with addiction. She loved my children like her own grandchildren. Aunt Sarah I will miss you so much. I know you're home with mom, dad, Uncle Claire and Mark and are happy and healthy. Fly high Aunt Sarah, fly high! "