Sarah Lee Hamm, 54, passed away Saturday, July 28, 2018 at our home with husband Bill and her boys James and Austin at her side. Born January 31, 1964, the daughter of Stanley C. and Mary Jane Owen Swope in Fayetteville, AR.
Sarah began showing registered polled Hereford cattle at 8 years old receiving numerous accolades at the county, state and national levels. She was the first one of only 2 jr. exhibitors nationwide to show at the first 12 National Jr. Polled Hereford shows.
She graduated as one of the top of her class in 1982 from Elkins High School having lettered in basketball and was very active in numerous clubs. She received numerous scholarships to attend the University of Arkansas. Bill and Sarah married July 6, 1985, making a home in Fayetteville and later Farmington, AR. then returning to her family farm raising registered polled Hereford cattle. Sarah graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture from the U of A. She began her working career at First National Bank of Springdale but left to fulfill her dream to be a stay at home mom and farm wife to raise the boys on our farm which she dearly loved…which began on March 20, 1995 when she went into labor giving birth to Austin.
Sarah was a lifelong supporter, member and club leader of Elkins 4H. She was asked by the Washington County Extension Office to apply to the U of A Cooperative Extension Service because of her knowledge and expertise of county, state and national 4H policies (where she managed 4H clubs and activities for all of Washington County as well as the Washington County Fair until her illness forced her to retire in the spring of 2018). She was Jr. Beef Superintendent at the Washington County Fair and currently the Open Beef Superintendent with husband Bill. Sarah had shown beef cattle for 51 years at the Washington County Fair and 49 years at the Arkansas State Fairs, respectively.
She was preceded in death by her father, Stanley C. Swope; a brother, James Earl Swope; grandparents, Ray and Lee Swope and Clab and Sadie Owen.
She is survived by her husband, Bill of 33 years of marriage; her boys, Jimmy and Austin (Austin currently at Ames, Iowa attending Iowa St. University working towards his masters degree); her mother, Mary Jane Owen Swope of Fayetteville; our self-proclaimed adopted show cattle and college son, Hunter Burnett of Greenbriar, AR; father and mother-in-law, Robert Wayne and Patsy Hamm; brothers-in-law, Jerry Hamm and wife, Jerry Jo of Hindsville and Terry Hamm of Fayetteville; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Sarah’s Elkins High School Class of 1982 was very close throughout her life…Donna Lukas, Saundra Evans, Sharon Pyle and Mike Rinker and their families have remained especially close throughout the years and will be cherished forever in our families.
Our family was also blessed to have had so many lifelong friends through our cattle showing that spans over 50 years that are too numerous to mention.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 P.M. Monday, July 30, 2018 at Beard’s Chapel.
Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, July 31, 2018 at Beard’s Chapel. Interment will follow in Baptist Ford Cemetery under the direction of Beard’s Chapel.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Highland Oncology, Dr. Stephan B. Rosenfeld and Shannon Jones for their exceptional care given to Sarah.
Our hearts are broken for you Billy, Jimmy, Austin, and Mrs. Swope.
Praying for comfort during your loss.
Thank you!!
Sorry for your loss of Sarah. Such a fine person. Thoughts for Billy, the boys and the rest of her fine family.
Billy (and family): I’m so sorry for the loss of the beautiful Sarah. I was staggered when I got Pat Boudrey’s email this morning informing me as I didn’t even know Sarah was sick. I will always remember her as looking younger than she really was, and as being the wife of one of the real “good guys” that I got to work with at FFD. May God bless you and give you peace through the rest of your days in her memory, and especially through these next several days.
I am so sorry to hear this. I was in her brother’s class. She was such a lovely person. Prayers.
Heaven just became even more beatiful because of Sarah’s presence there. I’ve known her since she was just a toddler on her Dad’s farm, while hauling hay for him, & her brother Jimmy. We are so sorry for her family, our prayers are for you comfort & healing. God Bless You.
I am so sorry. She was a wonderful lady. I wish I had words to make you feel better. Prayers and love to the family.
Dear Hamm Family, Sarah was an extra special woman. I knew her through the county extension office. She was always so very pleasant, kind, and helpful. She touched the lives of many 4-H members and their families – including my own. I am certain she was the glue that held many things together for our 4-H program. I always enjoy keeping up with your family through her Facebook posts, and those “Facebook memories” of things her kids have done. I know she loved her boys so very much and was always so proud of every single thing, big or small, that happened in their lives. Whenever I would stop by the office, we often spent a while talking about the boys and what they were doing. I am thankful for all she did to help me through the years and I know this world, our 4-H program, and your Elkins community is a much better place because of Sarah Hamm. I am praying for comfort for each of you.
Sarah never failed to greet me or my children with a smile, encouragement, and absolute enthusiasm. She was always genuinely kind and always was a willing hand when needed. There are not words to adequately express the deep loss that is felt in her absence. My deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to her family, particularly Bill and her boys. She loved you all so much and was so proud of you. May you feel God’s peace and comfort.
Sarah was a dedicated worker at the Extension office. Her support staff friends at Extension and Chi Epsilon Sigms will miss her. Blessings to the family.
To the family if Sarah Ham. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. May Gods peace and love surround you. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
I just cannot say enough good about her. I love her so much. My prayers are with you and your family.
I am so sorry Bill. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
So very sorry, Billy. What a special love and friendship you had with that beautiful one-of-a-kind woman. May you feel her presence and that of Jesus. He is our comforter. Carin Mahan
My deepest sympathies go out to you, Billy and Boys and your whole family. It was such a blessing to have known Sarah all through school, and v then teach Jimmy and Austin in Kindergarten … Every parent meeting being fun and loving. You are such a wonderful family.
May God give you the peace that you need.
I remember when Sarah first brought Jimmy to begin at Elkins 4H when I was the leader. She was very involved as a parent which was much appreciated.
Years later I would see her at the Extension Office and share fond memories.
She was a beautiful lady in every way.
I am sorry for your loss and offer my condolence.
I first met Sarah when I was the leader of the Elkins 4H and she brought Jimmy for the first time. She was very a involved and helpful parent.
Later I would see her at the Extension Offuce and share fond memories.
She was a beautiful lady in every way.
I am sorry for your loss and offer my deepest sympathy.
The world will be a little less beautiful now without Sarah’s sweet and precious face. I’m just so sad and shocked to have learned of this. Thinking of you all and Praying for your broken little hearts. I’m just so sorry.
Thoughts and prayers
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers Billy to you and all the family.
Mark and Brenda Bridge
So sorry for your loss. Billy our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family.
Condolences to the family.
I am so very sorry for your family’s loss. I thought Sarah was one of the sweetest people I’ve met. Both your boys went to school with my kids. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
With caring thoughts and prayers. Thinking of you and wishing you peace and comfort. Saying goodbye to someone we love is heartbreaking. May the comfort of God help you through this difficult time.
Billy,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Sorry for your loss. If you need anything let us know
I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers for God’s peace and comfort to carry you through this heartbreaking time.
Our deepest and sincere condolences to the Hamm Family. An exceptional lady has left many of us with great feelings of reward having known she and her fine family. She lives through her sons who are a among her greatest accomplishments. CRMagness and family
My prayers are with you all right now. Sarah was such a beautiful person and I know she loved you all so very much.
Austin, so sorry for your loss. Sarah was a wonderful, loving & caring person and she will be greatly missed. Prayers, comfort and loss to you and your family.
Bill, words can’t say what we wish we could say to express our feelings for you and your family !We have known you since you were a little boy so this loss of yours touches us deeply ! May God give you and your family peace and comfort through this trying time ! Kenny and Sandy Bailey !
Our hearts and prayers are with you at this time. Sarah was a light to all who knew her. I feel so blessed to have known her. She was so strong and courageous.
Always a thoughtful and polite lady, Sarah responded to others with a servant’s heart.
God will lead her on from here.
Blessings to Sarah and the family.
Thoughts and prayers for the entire family!!
I’m so sorry for yalls loss. It’s hard losing a loved one. I’m praying for you guys.
Y’all have our deepest sympathy in this time. You know if you need anything just holler.
Doc O, Family and the clinic
Praying for comfort and peace for all.
Always the Lady with that big smile on her face. Prayers for Peace and comfort
Prayers for all the family. Sarah will be missed, she always had a smile and kind word towards others. She touched so many lives.
Sarah was always a smiling light and up for any fun in the show barns over the many years I was around her. We showed Polled Herefords against each other for many years at the state and national levels. Heaven gained a beautiful angel. Bill and boys I am sorry for your loss and will be praying for your family. Mrs. Swope I love and think of your family often, you raised a beautiful family.
We loved your mom, she was a gentle soul and will missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
We are sad for your loss.
Billy, I am so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you and your family.
Sarah was an awesome person. She took many 4-Her’s under her wing and made a huge difference in their lives. She will always be remembered for her unselfish devotion to others. She will be greatly missed.
We are so sorry for your loss. We looked forward to seeing Sarah every year at cattle shows. She was a wonderful lady and her smile was contagious.
Our Deepest Condolences,
Tom, Tracy and Julie Asher
I was so very sorry to hear this news this morning. My heart goes out to her boys and husband and her mother Jane. God Bless you all and please know you all are in my prayers and my heart.
I know you will find comfort in your family and friends. God Bless!
Bill, no words can express how my heart aches for you. I think of you so often and remember your kindness when you came to our and bought my husband’s pickup. He was so ill. May you find comfort in memories of a blessed life together of 33 years. That’s what we had.
Thank you Pat, still have his truck, we spent many happy times there are talked about you and yours often, thank you and god bless! Bill
Prayers for your family, Billy, and so sorry for your loss.
I’m very sorry to hear of Sarah’s passing. She was a beautiful person and will be greatly missed.
My condolences go out to Jimmy and his family. Sarah was such a sweet, kind lady. The family is definitely in my prayers.
We send our deepest condolences and prayers to you all.
Bill, Austin, Jimmy. I am so sorry to hear about Sarah’s death. My prayers for your family
I worked with Sarah at First National Bank of Springdale during her time there. She was always very sweet and kind and willing to help anyone who needed it. She definitely was dedicated to her family. I stayed in touch with her every year in the show barn at the Washington County Fair. She always wore that beautiful smile on her face even when it was over 90 degrees in that barn. Rest in peace, Sarah. You fought the good fight. You ran the race well.
Billy, I’m so very sorry to hear that Sarah passed but know she is no longer sick and she’s smiling down on everyone from Heaven. If you all need anything just let me know
Praying for peace during this time.
Thoughts and prayers are with your wonderful family. Sarah was a true blessing and is missed by all who knew her!
We were so sorry to learn of Sarah’s passing and are praying that the Lord will bestow His comfort to your family during this sad and difficult time.
Very sorry for your lost Billy….wish there was something to say other than sorry but I don’t know what it would be…
To the family:
You have many, many beautiful memories. Let them guide you during this time of sadness. May God’s love make your grief bearable.
To Jane:
You’re in our thoughts, our hearts,
and our prayers. Wishing you and your family strength and peace at this time.
To the family: you have many,many beautiful memories. Let them guide you during this time of sadness. May God’s love make your grief bearable.
To Jane:
You’re in our thoughts,our hearts,and our prayers. Wishing you and your family strength and peace at this time.
Our deepest condolences to Jane, Bill, Jimmy and Austin. Sarah was a great person and beautiful lady.
Sincerely,
Bob & Margaret Ann Toney
Gerald & Debbie Miller
Bobby Toney
My first ever 4-H field trip was a trip to the farm to see Jimmy and Sarah’s cows. So many wonderful memories of our 4-H years together and being across the aisle from each other every year at the county fair. May the memories of the joy Sarah brought to so many give you comfort and bring a peace that passes understanding. Sincere condolences from the Jack and Jim Carter families.
We received word of Sarah’s passing today jus after funeral was over.we are so sorry .sarah was always the same no matter who you wer or where you were at:sweet,friendly,happy to visit with you,& a beautiful smile.may God carry Sarah’s precious families through a very sad time
Such a sad day yesterday when I read of Sarah’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you – Jane, and all of Sarah’s family. It was always a pleasure to run into her at the fair, and remember the few times Jimmie and I watched her in the show ring. I was glad my children had a chance to know her through fairs and 4-H activities.
Unlike the huge number (59 !) of grieving friends expressing their wonderful memories of Sarah, I did not know her…but truly wish that I had ! Her lovely picture says it all, tho` her accomplishments says so much more. My sincere regrets to Sarah`s family and her many, many friends.
Sarah to a wonderful person and friend love you an will miss you.you are truly a soul an heart God blessed to shine on this earth.
Sarah what a beautiful lady and a good friend I love you an will miss you.God blessed your heart an soul an you truly shined a light on all who’s life you touched
Such a fine lady. Prayers for you all