of Leslie, AR

September 14, 1941 - November 16, 2021

Heaven gained a beautiful soul when Sara Jo Fendley passed peacefully in her sleep at her home in Leslie, Arkansas on Tuesday, November 16th, 2021. She was born in Leslie, Arkansas on September 14th, 1941 to John Franklin Fendley and Inez Hensley Fendley.

Sara Jo was a strong Christian lady who put God before everything. She was a member of the United Methodist Church where she played the piano. She loved playing gospel music but also enjoyed playing and participating in folk music. Sara led by example and is someone who was looked to for guidance and Godly advice. In her younger days, Sara won many beauty contests including but not limited to; Miss National Strawberry in Glenwood Springs, Colorado in 1958 and Miss Liberty, Tournament of Roses in 1964. She served on many boards and commissions, too numerous to mention them all, both at the county, state and federal level. Sara Jo was an icon to the Republican Party. She was a pioneer for the modern Republican Party with roots as far back as the Winthrop Rockefeller for Governor Campaign. Republican Party chairman, Doyle Webb said "anytime you mentioned Governor Rockefeller, the name Sara Jo Fendley always comes up." Sara supported hundreds of Republicans all the way from the schoolhouse to the Whitehouse. Sara had a Master's Degree in Counseling. She worked for many years at NorthArk where she helped many, many students better their lives and go on to become successful adults. Sara had no biological children but she had hundreds of kids who she claimed as her own. She always helped and encouraged each one to be their very best. Many are now working in professional fields, politicians and some went on to work in the agricultural field, a field very close to Sara's heart. She was a boss lady in the male dominated cattle industry. She has mentored many young men to become great farmers and is loved and respected by many. Her love for cattle made her a very successful rancher. She knew each one of her animals by number and their genetic history for several generations. Sara never refused to help anyone who asked and her strong influence, whether professionally, politically or through her deep friendships will live on in the hearts and lives of all she came in contact with.

Survivors include a very special friend and companion, Joel Ratchford and his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many cousins, extended family and dear friends who will deeply mourn her passing. Sara is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Inez Fendley.

Graveside services for Sara Jo will be 11:00 AM Friday, November 19th, 2021 at East Lawn Cemetery in Marshall, Arkansas with Bro. Glen Pettus and Bro. Jim Arnold officiating. Special music will be performed by Bro. Jim and Sis. Diane Arnold. Burial will follow where Sara will be laid to rest beside her mother, Inez Fendley. Honorary bearers will be Albert Dickson, Zane Green, Jerry Passmore, Jim Arnold, Jerry Cash, Fred Fendley, Fendley Ragland, Jim Adams, William Ashley, Joel Ratchford, Travis Woodell and Mike Moore.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Coffman Funeral Home
923 Highway 65 North
Marshall, AR  72650
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com