"My sympathies to the family in the loss of Sara. She had the brightest smile and easy laugh during our visits. May your memories bring you strength at this time. Heart felt blessings to you. "
In loving memory of
Sara Ann Mitchell
March 6, 1941 - January 30, 2022
Livestream link for Sara's Service https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHNDULG5ZbA
Sara Ann Mitchell, age 80, of Green Hills Memory Care, died January 30, 2022. Friends and family will gather at 3:00 p.m., Friday, February 4, 2022, at Collegiate Presbyterian Church, 159 Sheldon Ave, Ames, Iowa. A celebration of Sara's life will follow at 4:00 p.m. at the church.
Sara was born March 6, 1941, in Dexter, Iowa, the daughter of Harold and Margaret (McElhinney) Higgins. Sara often joked that her love of chocolate came from the small town of Dexter. She graduated from Geneseo High School. She attended Grinnell College for two years, then graduated from Drake University. She received her master's degree in English Education from University of Iowa later in her life.
Sara was united in marriage to Larry Mitchell on August 15, 1963, at the Geneseo Methodist Church. From this union there were two children, Lisa and Clark. Besides teaching and providing English as a second language for many communities, she served on a school board in Wisconsin. Sara loved the woods, watching butterflies and birds. In season, she found mushrooms. Sara was a Master Gardner and loved working at Reiman Gardens. She enjoyed sewing and working on her loom. She also wrote family history for her grandparents, her parents, and her five grandchildren.
Sara is survived by her husband, Larry Mitchell; her daughter, Lisa Mitchell, and her husband Ram Rawat and their children, Leela and Rohan; her son, Clark, and his wife Jennifer Mitchell and their sons, Nicholas, Gavin, and Ethan; her brother, Robert Higgins, and her sister, Mary Mixdorf.
Memorials may be directed to Collegiate Presbyterian Church or to donor's choice.
Our thanks to Suncrest Hospice, and to Green Hills memory care staff and the charge nurses in health care. Sara and Larry especially appreciated Erica Henricks, Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner who was very helpful.
Online condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Tributes
"I met Sara when she came to India to meet her daughter Lisa and her prospective son-in-law Ram. Ram was our friend, and through him, we became friends with Lisa. Sara was accompanied by her husband, Larry. We had a great time. I was so happy to introduce Larry to one of my favourite Dylan songs, "Sara". My wife, who also taught English as a Second Language to government school students in Delhi got along like a house on fire with Sara. On their return to the US, Sara sent my wife a whole duffel bag full of books with which my wife started an informal library in her school. The books are still there, and the print on them will fade before the memory of this delightful person will diminish in our hearts and minds. My deepest condolences to her family. You are so lucky to have her in your life."
"Watching this slide show impresses on me how special Sara's spirit is, and how it will continue to enrich God's kingdom for eternity. I am glad our lives crossed here at Green Hills Retirement Community. Her warmth will never be forgotten."
"All of us from the Story County Master Gardeners Association were saddened to learn of Sara's passing. Sara joined our membership upon completing her Master Gardener training in 2011. In her quiet way, she was a regular attendee at our monthly meetings and an active participant in our spring plant sales at Reiman Gardens. Our condolences to all her family during this sad time."
"To Larry and family, We were sorry to learn of Sara's passing & know you are missing her so much. We remember her as a cheerful, giving, compassionate person. She had so many interests & concerns. We enjoyed seeing the family photos & remembering when we knew you & your children. They have beautiful families! We send you our sympathy & condolences. Love, Dave & Mary Dutton"
"Dear Uncle Larry, Lisa, Clark & families, I was sorry to hear of Aunt Sara?s passing. I have fond memories of her from McElhinney reunions & family gatherings at the Pond & on holidays. I have enjoyed seeing all the Google photos. I will remember her smile & laughter. So Sorry we will not be able to join the family for her service tomorrow but know we are thinking of you all & sending our deepest sympathies. Becky & Stacey Overton"
"Larry, Lisa, Clark and Families - I was so sorry to hear of Sara's entrance into hospice and subsequent passing. I have a lot of fond memories of Sara and all of you during your time in Mt Pleasant. May our Creator bring you abundant comfort. Steve Readinger"
"Larry, I'm so sorry to hear of Sara's passing. The world has lost a very special lady. May your memories ease the pain of your loss. Jean Haslett"
"Clark, Jennifer, and Family- Julie and I are very sorry to hear this. We send our condolences and prayers. Julie, Andy, Marian, and Nick Hall"
"Dear Larry, Lisa, Clark, and your families, I have such fond memories of Aunt Sara, and am grateful for all the times I was able to see her. Thank you for sharing the photos - it was really nice to look back at all the wonderful times we had with Sara. God Bless. Jeff and Jen Mixdorf"
"Larry and family, We send our sincere condolences to you in the loss of Sara. What an especially kind, loving, smart, joyful, wonderful person. May you be lifted by God?s love and grace during this time. Karen and Ed Chabal "
"Larry, I?m glad I did get to know and love Sara. You have lost a fine mate. May you treasure the memories of your life together. My thoughts are with you and your family. Sara, rest in peace! Lucille Taylor "
"I?m so sorry I did not get to meet Sara. She sounded like a lovely person. It?s wonderful the family will continue her legacy."
"Larry, I am so sorry for your loss. I am confident that Sara is restored and reunited with friends. God Bless. Mary Warren "