Sarah D. Fitts

Sarah D. Fitts, 86, of Winter Haven, FL, formerly of Palestine, IL, passed away March 17, 2022, at Winter Haven Hospital. She was born November 7, 1935, in Greeley, CO, one of ten children born to William Perry Hays & Carrie Edith (Campbell) Hays, both of whom preceded her in death. She married Ardey D. Fitts on June 20, 1954, and he preceded her in death on February 1, 2009. She was also preceded in death by her brothers & sisters-in-law, Victor Hays, John & Lillian Hays, Clyde & Marilene Hays, Oscar Hays, and Ray Hays; by her sisters & brothers-in-law, Berniece & Byron Derr and Myrtle "JoAnn" & Jack Fox; and by her daughters, Anita Irene Fitts & Ardie "Jean" Ruholl.

She is survived by her daughters, Carol Kingery (Lake Wales, FL), Marilyn Walker (Altamont, IL), and Cindy Carlen (Southaven, MS); by her son, Greg Fitts (Winter Haven, FL); by 15 grandchildren and over 20 great-grandchildren; by her sisters & brothers-in-law, Dixie & Don Covington (Almena, KS) and Willene & Bob Nichols (Galva, KS); as well as several nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Much of Sarah's professional career found her in Effingham, IL, where she waitressed at the Ramada Inn, was a familiar face at the TSA Truckstop, and worked at World Color Press. Time at home often found her immersed in a Louis L'Amour novel or working a puzzle. Crosswords, word searches, and sudoku puzzles, in particular, provided her with countless hours of entertainment, as did crocheting and quilting. Over her 86 years, this precious soul made A LOT of quilts, leaving behind treasured keepsakes for her loved ones. They could all attest to her love of music and of singing, further evidenced by her penchant for belting out ballads on karaoke night!

Though Sarah Fitts' song has ended, we are thankful that her melody lingers on in our hearts.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 12th, at the Palestine Cemetery. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine is in charge of arrangements.