Sarah Rose Grossnickle

Sarah Grossnickle passed away peacefully at age 88 on Sunday, December 4, 2011 at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville, Missouri, the town where she was born, where she married, and where she and her beloved husband Shag raised their family and shared a life for sixty-nine years, eight months, and two days.

Sarah was born on December 11, 1922 to parents John Andrew "Jack" and Ola Josephine Rose Maize. She graduated from Kirksville High School with the class of 1940, and received her teaching certificate from Kirksville Teacher's College in 1942.

Always athletic, Sarah played softball in the position of catcher for the Kirksville All-Stars. In 1938, the team won the Missouri State Championship and competed for the National Championship at Soldiers Field in Chicago. In 1941, they again won State, traveling to Nationals in Detroit. Shag was the coach that year, and occasionally also served as umpire. He said all it took was one look down at that catcher's blue eyes to fall in love with her. And on a beautiful spring day on April 2, 1942 Sarah was married to G.E. "Shag" Grossnickle, who survives. It was a love to last a lifetime.

Sarah worked side by side with her husband when he served as the sheriff of Adair County, caring for the prisoners at the jail, where they made their home for eight years. She cooked all of the meals for the prisoners, who appreciated the same fare as the family. She followed her husband as Public Administrator and served three terms from 1982-1993. Between them, Sarah and Shag contributed forty years of service to Adair County.

Sarah’s passion was her family. She was a gorgeous lady, a woman clothed in gentleness, a devoted wife, and a loving mother. Her children were given a wonderful childhood, remembering fondly the times their parents would break into impromptu song, harmonizing beautifully together. That was how it was.

Sarah doted on each of her family, even calling her younger sister Sally each day. She adored Christmas and loved decorating every part of her home. As the end neared, her family put a Christmas tree in her hospital room for her to enjoy as she visited with and remembered along with each family member, saying all the things we want to say at those times.

Her grandchildren lovingly called her "Silly Grandma". She could always be counted on to add a touch of humor to any situation, and counseled her family to do the same during tough times. She was their greatest fan and encourager, and showed by example what marriage could be. They always knew how much their grandmother loved them.

Sarah was a lifelong member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She was a past member of the Kirksville Republican Club, Mothers Home Club, Order of Eastern Star, and the White Shrine. She served as president of several PTA's, Willard and Greenwood Elementary Schools and Kirksville Junior High. She and Shag were members of the Kirk Society of Truman State University. In 2006, they were honored to serve as Grand Marshals of the Truman State University Homecoming Parade.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by son Gary “Skip” Grossnickle and wife Daisy of Columbia, son John Benjamin Grossnickle and wife Mary of Kirksville, and daughter Rebecca Rose Bunch and husband Danny of La Plata; six grandchildren: Gayla Elaine Miller and husband Rich of Columbia, Sarah Joyce Swindle and husband Jason of Columbia, John Andrew Grossnickle and Katharine Marie Grossnickle both of Kirksville, also Curtiss Hunter Bunch and Christian Elijah Bunch both of La Plata; six great-grandchildren: Justin, Skip, and Sophie Miller; and Claire, Ella, and John Parker Swindle. She also leaves a sister, Sally Lou Sefrit of Columbia, as well as several nieces and nephews and many treasured friends.

Sarah was preceded in death by her parents and one brother.

Pallbearers will be sons Skip Grossnickle and John Ben Grossnickle, grandsons John Andrew Grossnickle, Curtiss Bunch and Christian Bunch, and great-grandsons, Justin Miller and Skip Miller. Honorary pallbearers will be Rich Miller, Jason Swindle and son John Parker Swindle; son-in-law Danny Bunch; nephews Jim Sefrit, Dwight Futrelle, Dwayne McAninch, and Terry Nichols; great-nephews Jason Sefrit, Scott Bailey, Doug McAninch, David Futrelle, Brent Cashatt, Drew Cashatt, Ryan Cashatt; and her physician, Dr. Ron Phillips.

Visitation with the family will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at the Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home in Kirksville.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, December 8, 2011 at the First Christian Church in Kirksville with Reverend D. Stephen McDuff officiating. Sarah's favorites “Silent Night", "Beyond the Sunset", and "The Old Rugged Cross” will be sung. To commemorate her love of the holidays, beribboned vintage Christmas bells will be given out by her great-grandchildren. Interment will follow at Maple Hills Cemetery in Kirksville.

Contributions in her memory can be made to First Christian Church, 100 High Street, Kirksville, MO 63501.