of Leslie, AR
September 14, 1941 - November 16, 2021
Heaven gained a beautiful soul when Sara Jo Fendley passed peacefully in her sleep at her home in Leslie, Arkansas on Tuesday, November 16th, 2021. She was born in Leslie, Arkansas on September 14th, 1941 to John Franklin Fendley and Inez Hensley Fendley.
Sara Jo was a strong Christian lady who put God before everything. She was a member of the United Methodist Church where she played the piano. She loved playing gospel music but also enjoyed playing and participating in folk music. Sara led by example and is someone who was looked to for guidance and Godly advice. In her younger days, Sara won many beauty contests including but not limited to; Miss National Strawberry in Glenwood Springs, Colorado in 1958 and Miss Liberty, Tournament of Roses in 1964. She served on many boards and commissions, too numerous to mention them all, both at the county, state and federal level. Sara Jo was an icon to the Republican Party. She was a pioneer for the modern Republican Party with roots as far back as the Winthrop Rockefeller for Governor Campaign. Republican Party chairman, Doyle Webb said "anytime you mentioned Governor Rockefeller, the name Sara Jo Fendley always comes up." Sara supported hundreds of Republicans all the way from the schoolhouse to the Whitehouse. Sara had a Master's Degree in Counseling. She worked for many years at NorthArk where she helped many, many students better their lives and go on to become successful adults. Sara had no biological children but she had hundreds of kids who she claimed as her own. She always helped and encouraged each one to be their very best. Many are now working in professional fields, politicians and some went on to work in the agricultural field, a field very close to Sara's heart. She was a boss lady in the male dominated cattle industry. She has mentored many young men to become great farmers and is loved and respected by many. Her love for cattle made her a very successful rancher. She knew each one of her animals by number and their genetic history for several generations. Sara never refused to help anyone who asked and her strong influence, whether professionally, politically or through her deep friendships will live on in the hearts and lives of all she came in contact with.
Survivors include a very special friend and companion, Joel Ratchford and his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many cousins, extended family and dear friends who will deeply mourn her passing. Sara is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Inez Fendley.
Graveside services for Sara Jo will be 11:00 AM Friday, November 19th, 2021 at East Lawn Cemetery in Marshall, Arkansas with Bro. Glen Pettus and Bro. Jim Arnold officiating. Special music will be performed by Bro. Jim and Sis. Diane Arnold. Burial will follow where Sara will be laid to rest beside her mother, Inez Fendley. Honorary bearers will be Albert Dickson, Zane Green, Jerry Passmore, Jim Arnold, Jerry Cash, Fred Fendley, Fendley Ragland, Jim Adams, William Ashley, Joel Ratchford, Travis Woodell and Mike Moore.
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45 Condolence(s)
Linda Cates
Monday, November 22, 2021
I was so sorry to hear of Sara Jo's passing. I will miss talking with her at the Ancestral Fair, as well as other places we met at times. My condolences to all who love her.
Skip and Angela Armes
Monday, November 22, 2021
We are truly taken back at Sara Jo's passing. She was a neighbor and distant relative and we enjoyed our times of visiting around the community and across the field! She won't be forgotten, for sure. Until we meet again. Prayers for all.
Jean Borland
Monday, November 22, 2021
Sara Jo has been my friend for 50 years. I first know her when I worked for her at the Boone County
Hospital. She taught me lots about cooking. Then I worked with her in her office . In the years since then , whenever I saw her,
she always ask about my husband and children. She was always the same sweet person. I was sorry to hear of her passing but I know she is in Heaven with Jesus and I'll see her again someday.
sue waymack
Saturday, November 20, 2021
Sarah Jo and I were at ASTC together. She was a special friend with so much energy! I remember her playing her Banjo early in the mornings in the dorm. We kept in touch through the years often when she was
in Harrison area and I came home to Valley for a visit. Condolences
Doug & Trudie Young
Saturday, November 20, 2021
So sorry for loss. Prayers for your family.
Jim and Charlsie McBride
Friday, November 19, 2021
With our thoughts, prayers,and deepest sympathy.
Clell Lewis
Friday, November 19, 2021
Sara Jo and I were friends in high school, she went to Leslie and I went to Clinton. I remember her as very beautiful and very talented and I am sure she will be missed by many.
Larry and Marietta George
Friday, November 19, 2021
So sorry for the loss
Denny Fendley
Friday, November 19, 2021
I am one of Sara's cousins from Illinois. Just a few months back my wife (now deceased) and I were talking to her on the phone. I asked her if she believed in her heart that Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose again three days later for the remissions of our sins, and she immediately said 'yes'. You who believe know where that puts her. I will be with her, my wife, and many other loved ones who died in the faith sooner vs. later. Time is growing short for all of us. Soon and very soon we are going to see the King!
Bill Seeger
Friday, November 19, 2021
Sara was always advocate of Searcy County and Leslie. She had a smile and kind word for everyone.
Laura Berry
Friday, November 19, 2021
Sara Jo was such a big part of North Arkansas College, both as a long-time employee and, later, as a Board member. I was so impressed with her loving care for her mother while also being devoted to the College. My condolences to her family and friends.
Kathy Scarsdale
Thursday, November 18, 2021
Enjoyed many bridge games with Sara Jo.
I admired her and am blessed to consider her my friend.
Dean Vail
Thursday, November 18, 2021
I had the privilege of working for Sara Jo(and Inez) in high school and she is one of a few people that had a profound impact on my life's direction and success. I will miss her immensely!
Thank you Sara Jo!!!
Jack & Edna Treat
Thursday, November 18, 2021
So sorry to hear of her passing. She was a special lady.
fred t woehl
Thursday, November 18, 2021
Sara Jo was a DEAR friend with a BIG heart for others. She will be missed by all.
Gail Beth Eoff
Thursday, November 18, 2021
One of the many blessings I received while working at Northark was getting to know and become friends with Sara Jo. I loved her! She was funny and out spoken, and oh my, how she loved the Republican party! I am so grateful that she found happiness and peace after she retired. See you one day again, dear friend.
Scotty Jefferson
Thursday, November 18, 2021
Sara Jo was a fantastic person and a good friend. I always enjoyed working with her.
Rebecca Martin
Thursday, November 18, 2021
Like so many, I met Sara Jo at Northrak when I was a student. She encouraged me as I struggled my way through college while raising two kids, getting a divorce, and working. She continued to support me as a Northark employee when I returned in 2007. Sara Jo always had a kind word to say and made you feel "important". I will miss her smile. I hope that I serve my students at Northark as Sara Jo did with kindness and encouragement. Prayer for all of us that loved her and will miss her.
Michael Mahoney
Thursday, November 18, 2021
I knew Sara Jo since I was a little boy growing up in Harrison. She was my mother’s dearest friend and just like a second mom to me. I also had the privilege of working with this beautiful human being at Northark. God Bless you Sara Jo. I know you are sitting in heaven happily laughing with mom.
Stephanie Creager
Thursday, November 18, 2021
Sara Jo taught our son so much when he worked for her all through High School, I always loved hearing the Sara Jo stories. Clay and Sara Jo would spend time playing music which they both loved, I am so thankful she was part of life and helped make him the man he is today.
Sid and Lea Ann Tudor Lowrance
Thursday, November 18, 2021
Will Sara Jo away wanting to stop and talk about farming and the weather. Worked with her and her mother for over 40 plus years. She was a Great Lady! My God Bless all!
Sherri Treat
Thursday, November 18, 2021
What a blessing you were to so many, Sara Jo. We will mourn and think of you in our sweet memories but know you are with Our Heavenly Father!
Janet Rainbolt
Thursday, November 18, 2021
So sorry to hear of Sara's passing. She was a good friend and a very special lady and will be missed by all.
Bobby Howard
Thursday, November 18, 2021
Dear Family,
Sorry for your loss, Sara Jo was a true ambassador for North Arkansas College and was truely interested in every student. She will be sorely missed.
Bobby Howard
RONDELL HARRISON
Thursday, November 18, 2021
SARA JO WAS MY CLASSMATE LESLIE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FIRST THREE.GRADES 1948 ~'50. OVER THE MANY YEARS FOLLOWING, WHILE WORKING MY TERRITORY IN AND AROUND HARRISON, AR , I VISITED HER CATTLE OPERATION, THEN LUNCHES DOWNTOWN HARRISON. SHE WAS ALWAYS THE SAME. HER LOYALTY TO CARING FOR HER MOTHER WAS ADMIRABLE. I SAW HER COME OFF WINTROP ROCKEFELLER'S HELICOPTER LANDING ON THE HARRISON SQUARE AS HE CAMPAIGNED FOR GOVERNOR. SHE AND INEZ WERE STAUNCH SUPPORTERS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY BACK THEN. I LAST SAW HER AT A 1959 LESLIE CLASS REUNION. GOOD MEMORIES
Nell Bonds
Thursday, November 18, 2021
I am so very sorry to hear of Sara Jo's passing. In working with her for many years at the college, I know that she was a great source of encouragement and support to so many students over the years. My sincerest condolences and prayers for all of the family and friends. She will be missed.
Kris Greening
Thursday, November 18, 2021
Sara Jo was a very unique and special soul. She will be missed by many.
Pamela Richiert
Thursday, November 18, 2021
I met Sara Jo while working at Northark over thirty years ago. We quickly became friends. She always had a big smile, funny laugh, and was always up lifting. She was a very genuine person and will be missed.
Rob Morton
Thursday, November 18, 2021
Long time friend who I respected and enjoyed conversation. She was a special lady and will be missed by many.
Ronnie and Betty Carpenter
Thursday, November 18, 2021
I loved this sweet lady ! We worked together at NAC. I was the welding instructor there and have a shop in Bellefonte where she would bring things for me to fix for her! We always reminisced about the good times and frat the college! Lots of laughs over the years! Will miss her
Pam Mathis Stone
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
Sara Jo was a fine person whom I had the pleasure of working with at Northark for many years. Sara Jo loved the students and was always looking for the best way to help them. I have never seen her be anything but kind. It was a privilege to know her.
Karen Rogers Lawxon
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
So sorry to hear of Sara Jo’s passing. We are cousins and I remember her playing the Banjo at the Leslie Homecoming. See you in Heaven.
Linda Choate
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
Sarah Jo was a great friend and I enjoyed working with her on many projects during the years in Harrison. Admired her very much. Prayers for her family.
Todd Holsted Ashley Sr
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
God bless.
Amy Rea Horton
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
I am so sorry to hear of Sarah Jo’s passing. She and my mom were good friends and always ‘comparing notes’ when it came to genealogy. I always enjoyed visiting with her when I saw her. Prayers for her friends and family.
Bob Roten
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
My deepest sympathy.
Eddie, and Kathy Morrison
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
We are so sorry to hear about Sara Jo Passing away. She was a very nice person. Also a very beautiful lady. We send you all our deepest sympathy , and prayers.
Wesley and Loretta Smith
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
Sara Jo was a good friend of mine and Loretta's. She will be missed by lots of friends.
Brenda Lewis
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
I am so sorry for this loss, as she was a very special person and was always glad to see you, no matter the length of time. Her and her Mother were very special tho me.
Judith Branscum
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sara Jo but over joyed that her earthly walk with the Lord has brought her to His eternal presence. Our heartfelt prayers— David and Judy Branscum
Shirley J. Gray
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
I got close with Sara Jo years ago at the Ancestor Fair. Sara Jo was a very special lady and truly will be missed. My prayers goes out to the one's that were very close to her. Sara Jo is in heaven with her parents now. Sara Jo's smile and laughter will still linger here for the people that knew her!
James and Jeri White
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
Our deepest sympathy
Pat Halsted
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
I was very fond of Sara Jo...may she rest in peace. God bless her.
Barbara Henderson
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
So sorry to hear of Sara Jo’s passing..
My sincere condolences to the family.
James Johnston
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
Condolences to the family of Sara Jo. She was a dear friend and fellow genealogist.