Sarah Ann Dawson

Sarah Ann Dawson, 91, of Peoria, Arizona beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and cousin was called by our Heavenly Father on August 31, 2024. Sarah was born on December 18, 1932, the 8th child of 13, born to Elmer Ellsworth Faris Jr. and Elsie Hortense Faris. A farming family in Graham, Missouri, in the midst of the Great Depression, whose farm included animals, crops, and vegetable gardens. Their home was a fertile ground where the seeds were planted to grow children rooted in God, family, duty, work, and education.

Sarah was a lifelong learner, who loved to sit under a tree at the edge of a brook on the farm and read, imagining a world beyond her childhood home. So, in 1950, with her sister Marie and brother-in-law, she embarked on a cross-country trip to Eastern Oregon State College, where she graduated in 1953 and met the love of her life and husband of 63 years, Charlie Dawson. As a young schoolteacher, she was a working mother before becoming a full-time homemaker.

Raised in the Presbyterian Church, she served as both an Elder and Deacon who nurtured her children in the Christian faith that looks through death. A volunteer and worker in countless positions where her prodigious talents were put to good use. Sarah was an avid reader, an active member of PEO and DAR, a scrabble club champion, world-class cook, and treasured friend. She is buried in the hearts of her family and friends where her beautiful spirit will continue to enrich our lives.

Sarah is survived by her sons Rick, Dave, Steve (Mary Bowe), and daughter Debbie (Tom Gilchrist) Dawson; brother George Faris, sister Neva Jones, grandchildren John Gilchrist, Sarah Snyder, Benjamin Gilchrist, Emma Gilchrist, Marty Bowe, and Sadie Dawson; great grandchildren Lottie Snyder, Lily Snyder, Teddy Snyder, Arthur Gilchrist, Charlie Gilchrist, Juliet Gilchrist and Harper Bowe.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie; her brothers Arthur, Harold, Leonard, Adam, Ed, Jim, and Bryce Faris; her sisters Marie Tatum, Roberta Neff, and Beth Granaman.

Memorial services will be Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 11:00AM at First Presbyterian Church 10236 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria, AZ 85345.