Sara E. Herfel

Sara E. Herfel, age 87, went to be with her Lord on December 2, 2020. The world has lost the happiest person we have ever known. Sara was born July 20, 1933 in Mayfield, KY. She was raised by her loving Aunt Sally in Medina, OH and then Columbus, OH.

She attended University High School in Columbus, Ohio and graduated from The Ohio State University with an Education degree. She loved the Buckeyes. Sara married Carl Herfel in 1955 and followed him to Germany, while he served in the Army.

Sara memorably crossed the Atlantic Ocean to Germany aboard the Queen Mary. After returning, she taught Home Economics at Hilliard High School, took a break to raise her 2 children and then began her 25-year career with the Columbus Public Schools teaching kindergarten at Reeb Ave Elementary school. Sara absolutely loved teaching kindergarten children and strongly believed she had a solemn responsibility for what would be, in many cases, their first introduction to education. She developed many long-lasting friendships with the staff at Reeb Ave that she cherished.

Sara and Carl managed Broad Acres Camp in the summer, sponsored by Broad Street Presbyterian Church, from 1967 to 1974. Although Carl was the camp manager, Sara held the honorary title of "First Lady" of the camp. Both truly enjoyed greeting and leading the new children campers that arrived each week, despite living in a tent all summer. Sara had the "travel bug" and loved traveling both in the United States and Europe.

Sara was a member of the Gamma Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, an educator's sorority. She deeply loved her Gamma sisters and thoroughly enjoyed the meetings and events. When she moved into assisted living due to Alzheimers, the Gamma sisters continued to visit her and send cards. The family is grateful for their continued support. She was also involved in a monthly bridge club and cherished the friendship of this group of ladies.

She was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church for over 50 years and enjoyed teaching summer vacation bible school. Her Home Economics degree led her to be excellent cook and the family will especially miss her famous Red Velvet cake. Sara was a skilled pianist with the ability to play by ear. She loved playing for school presentations or a tune at home as a gentle reminder to the family when we were late for leaving for an event.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Carl Herfel and parents Thomas and Metta Del Broughton. She is survived by her son Bruce (Deanna) Herfel, daughter Julie (Jim) Elke, grandchildren Emily, Nicholas and John, her sister-in-law Sue and many nieces and nephews, who she adored and loved. She especially cherished her 70-year friendship with Blanche and her closest neighbor Debbie.

The family would like to thank the Forum at Knightsbridge staff for their exceptional care and compassion during her 6-year stay.

Visitation and a service will be held on December 22, 2020 at the Schoedinger Worthington. Friends and family are encouraged to wear OSU attire.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Reeb Avenue Center, 280 Reeb Ave, Columbus Ohio 43207, or online at: https://columbusfoundation.org/the-giving-store/nonprofit-directory-listing/ReebAvenueCenter/9854