Sara Santos

Sara Uballe Santos, long-time resident of Austin, passed away on August 1, 2023 at the age of 85. A true Austin Icon, Sara was known for her bar skills and exemplary Bloody Mary she perfected while working at Lala’s Little Nugget alongside her best friend and business partner, Frances Lala, for nearly 40 years.

Sara was born in Henley, TX on December 17, 1937, one of 11 children born to the late Seledonio Uballe and Maria R. Uballe. Her parents instilled in their children strong family values, which made for big family gatherings and events with their mother, brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews in Austin. Sara carried those principles on to her own family, as no one knows a stronger bond than that of the Santos sisters – Barbara, Carol, and Peggy.

Her home was the family gathering place, which was established in the 1960’s with her small children and extended through to her great-grandchildren present day. She showed her love through her quiet encouragement and approvals, open home when grandkids had sick days and needed home remedies, lunchtime meals, and her homemade salsa – which was always ready for snacking.

Sara was known to be a lucky woman in more ways than one. Whether it was on a lottery scratch off or penny slots in Coushatta, she had a propensity to win in one way or another. A long tradition she held was heading to Las Vegas on Superbowl weekend to root for the best team. She always knew the odds, and if she had her way, it would be Cowboys all the way.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers Johnny, Baldomero and Simon Uballe; daughter Carol Rivera; son Rocky Blas Santos; best friend Frances Lala; and beloved pup Chiquito. Sara is survived by her daughters Barbara Garcia (Carlos) and Peggy Lopez (Ray Garza); her seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; six sisters Modesta Estrada, Mary Ann Uballe, Regina Ramirez, Ventura Uballe, Bessie Rangel, and Mary Jane Thompson; and brother Dr. Esiquio Uballe (Susan), and sister-in-law Mary Uballe.

Sara’s family would like to thank Round Rock Assisted Living and their entire staff for the love and care they gave to Sara over the last several months.

A visitation for Sara will be held Thursday, August 10, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a rosary service from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78752. A funeral mass will occur Friday, August 11, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Saint Louis King of France Catholic Church, 7601 Burnet Rd., Austin, Texas 78757 with a graveside service following at 11:30 AM at Assumption Cemetery, 3650 S Interstate 35 Frontage Rd., Austin, Texas 78704.

Pallbearers will be grandsons John Narvaez, Jr.; Austin Lopez; Ryan Narvaez; Xavier Lopez; Jake Rivera; Ethan Narvaez; and son-in-law Bonifacio Rivera.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com for the Santos family.