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Sarah Floyd Obituary

Sarah Ellis Floyd, of Roanoke, Va., passed away peacefully early on Friday, December 11, 2009. She was born in Richmond, Va., on March 14, 1953, and was predeceased by her father, Henry Grant Ellis Jr.; and mother, Eleanor Dauer Ellis. Sarah leaves behind the light of her life, son, Rob Floyd; and his father, Robert. Also surviving are her brothers and sister, Grant Ellis and wife, Joy, Lou Ellis and wife, Becky, Leslie Mize, and Russ Ellis and wife, Kelly. Also surviving are nieces and nephews, Chuck Willey, Kathy Messinger, Sarah Rokicka, Christopher Mize and Jamie, Dauer and Ginna Ellis; and great-nieces and greatnephews. Sarah leaves to cherish her memory a multitude of devoted friends too numerous to name. The family is greatly comforted by their description of Sarah as a loving, nurturing, selfless friend who consistently placed others first. Sarah was a Registered Jeweler and Certified Gemologist. She spent her career pursuing her passion for gems and jewelry. In the process, Sarah made lifelong friends and relationships that transcended business. Sarah was a current board member of Children's Trust Roanoke Valley and served on the boards of numerous professional organizations. There will be family visitation on Sunday, December 13, 2009, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Oakey's South Chapel. The funeral service will be held 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 17, 2009, at St. John's Episcopal Church immediately followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Children's Trust Roanoke Valley, 541 Luck Avenue, Suite 308, Roanoke, Va. 24016. Arrangements by Oakey's South Chapel, 540-989-3131.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Roanoke Times from Dec. 12 to Dec. 15, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Sarah Floyd

Not sure what to say?





December 21, 2009

Grant, lou, Russ & family.
I can't find the words in which to express my feelings for your loss.
With sincere sympathy,
Richard Kelley

Steve Sowers

December 20, 2009

Sarah has special place in our heart. She helped me with the most special engagement ring as I started my family. She treated me like family & not a customer. I followed her from Frank L. Moose to Fink's for any special occassion. The best thing about any transaction was seeing and talking to her. She was obviously one special lady in many aspects of life. Our thoughts go out to her family and friends. She will be missed by many.

sarah tu rokicka

December 20, 2009

Aunt Sa, you left us too soon. I will miss you even though I am so far away and I regret not being able to spend more time with you. I'm sorry you never got to know my children and share much in my life but I know you were proud of me and that's enough. If I had it to do over again it would be different. You were loved too much to go so soon. I love you.

December 18, 2009

Dearest Rob, Grant, Joy, Louie, Becky, Leslie & family and Russ, Kelly & family,

Words can't express the grace and beauty Sarah enlightened our planet with for her short time among us. Her beauty was from the inside and radiated out of those gorgeous blue eyes. She was so kind and and so funny! I was so lucky to know her and all of you Ellis's for so long (1960?).
Grandin Rd, was my second home and Eleanor took me in like her own. How lucky am I?
With deepest love and sympathy,

Julie

DICK GRAYSON

December 18, 2009

SARAH AND I WERE GOOD FRIENDS THROUGH OUR ASSOCIATIONS AT FINKS JEWELERS AND ST JOHNS EPISCOPAL CHURCH. I AM SHOCKED AND SADDENED THAT SHE HAS DIED SO PREMATURELY. .I WILL MISS HER FRIENDSHIP AND PROFESSIONALISM AT FINKS.

Kitty Roche

December 17, 2009

I had the privilege of knowing and sharing the lives, hospitality and home of some very special neighbors-the Ellis family of Grandin Road-for over a decade. Now my family must unite in our grief and sorrow in the loss of sweet, gentle Sarah and her unfailing friendliness, quiet strength, and dignity. Frank, Katherine, John Whitney and their families join me in extending love and affection to the Ellis and Floyd families. We, too, reel under this recent tragedy.

Elene Stratton

December 17, 2009

It is with deep sadness that I say goodbye to my friend Sarah. I always looked forward to seeing her and knew that she could instantly put a smile on my face. She was simply a wonderful person and had such grace about her. For her family, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Lou Ellis

December 16, 2009

On behalf of our family thank you so much for your stories, thoughts, love and support. It means a great deal to us at this very difficult time.

Sincerely,

Lou & Becky Ellis

Lynn Elliott

December 16, 2009

I met Sarah when we were at Woodrow Wilson Junior High. We would see one another walking to and from school. She was a great woman and I enjoyed seeing her anytime I was visiting the Roanoke Valley. Thinking of you all at this sad time.

John McClure

December 16, 2009

Grant, Louie, Russ & Family
I am so saddened to hear about Sarah's passing. Sarah was truly a genuine person. Barbara's and I thoughts and prayers are with you.

Ralph Musselman

December 16, 2009

I never had to many chances too make your acquaintance Sarah.
I remember you though.
You brought with you a ray of intrigue that was spectacular. Very pretty lady.
I pray for the family. For the best of friends and everyone Sarah's life touched.
Ralph

Amy Peck

December 15, 2009

Sarah was rare. Her smile was perpetual and, as others have noted, she was an example of grace and elegance. Some years ago, I ran into the jewelry store that she was managing at the time -- anxious to buy one stem of crystal to finish off the setting for a dinner party; the item I needed was out of stock. Sarah did not know me then, but as she owned the same pattern personally,she offered to lend me the piece for the evening.

December 15, 2009

A bit of Sarah is with me and my husband each day through the engagement ring that she helped him design. She was a very special person and we are honored to have known her. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ellis' in this difficult time.
Mark & Cynthia Lawrence

Libbie Guilfoyle

December 15, 2009

I had the pleasure of knowing Sarah and the entire Ellis clan as neighbors for many years on Grandin Road. Only seven years ago, I lost my own sister in December and I was was so deeply surprised and saddened to read of Sarah's passing. When I think of her, particularly after reading all the entries, it seems as though everyone saw the same thing: elegance, gracefulness, nurturing, kindness..... She was such a gift to so many people. On a personal note, I find that what has helped me the most to cope with my own sister's loss is believing that those we love, remain around us. I am sure that Sarah is surrounding everyone with love this season. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time of grief.

Michelle Jarels

December 15, 2009

I knew Sarah in the very early 80's, she was a counselor at a girls home I was in. Sometimes I would go see her at F.L.Moose. She was always very sweet to me, and was a wonderful guide in my life back then. Over the years we lost touch, but when I saw her picture in the paper, I knew her instantly. I am very sad to hear of her passing and my thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. She was a beautiful lady, inside and out.

laurie platt

December 14, 2009

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Sarah. Louis you are in my prayers

Katherine "Kat" (Roche) Irby

December 14, 2009

I have the fondest memories of 'our' sweet Sarah and writing you with heartfelt condolences at this sad time. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
My Love,

John & Dot Taylor

December 14, 2009

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

December 14, 2009

Grant and all the family,
Deepest Sympathy,

Chuck Meredith
Roanoke

Melanie Ayers

December 14, 2009

I was deeply saddened to learn of Sarah's passing, and my heart goes out to the family at the loss of two loved ones so close together. May you find peace in knowing that she and her mother walk hand in hand.

December 14, 2009

My deepest sympathy to her brothers and husband and son.. Your mom was indeed a jewel and a wonderful person..Rest in peace Sara..
Jimmy Harvey

Ron Spain

December 14, 2009

Sarah was a genuine person in the best sense of the word. It has been a privledge to work with her at the VJA and, especially, to call her a friend.
I wish you peace, Sarah, and comfort to your family.

December 13, 2009

Young Rob and family I had the pleasure of working with Sarah for over 20 years as I called on FL Moose Jlrs and later with the VJA as a board member, I will miss her beautiful eyes and warm smile . You could always count on her for any task. Your mother was a super lady, and will be missed by all who came in contact with her.  Sincerly, Dale Poynter Waynesboro VA

December 13, 2009

It is with great sadness hearing of the passing of Sarah. She was a joy to know and a jewel of a lady. She always brought a smile to our faces and many times I saw her generousity in giving to another. I will miss her greatly. God, take care of our angel..
Jane Wheby, RN
Valley Infusion Center

Lisa K

December 13, 2009

A beautiful, shining jewell gone too soon. It was an honor to have Sarah as a friend. I will miss her warm smile and quick wit. RIP.

Judy Hundley

December 13, 2009

Rob and family
You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Sarah was a lovely person and she will be missed by many.

Phillip Bosen

December 13, 2009

I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Sarah's passing. What I sweet and kind person! We were colleagues for over 15 years. My thoughts and prayers are with Rob.May God bless you.

Paul Bateman

December 13, 2009

Grant, Louie, and Rusty,

It was with saddened heart that I received word today from Pat of Sarah's death. Sarah will, as she always has, hold a very special part of my heart, my love and my life. With my thoughts and prayers that the Lord will guide you, bless you and comfort you at this time.

Paul

December 13, 2009

Dear Rob:
I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Sarah when I served as the President of the Virginia Jewelers Association and she served as Executive Secretary. She was a great lady, and she will be sorely missed.
With deepest sympathy.
Mary Loose DeViney, Tuel Jewelers

Lindsey Cote

December 13, 2009

Russ, Kelly, Jamie, Dauer, Ginna, and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Sarah helped me many times over the years, and even very recently, with all of my jewelry questions. You are all in my prayers.

With love,
Lindsey Magerkurth Cote

Wendy Greer-Nylander

December 13, 2009

Years ago Sarah took great care of Will Nylander as his mother was dying, stepping in lovingly as his surrogate mother. After several more years she coaxed me into going out with his father, as a favor to her to help him get back in the dating scene. He became my husband, and to this day Peter and I are still grateful for her matchmaking, and I am grateful for the wonderful gift to my life, my stepson Will, all thanks to Sarah. I will miss her smile and her great sense of humor (and her pimento cheese). Peace be with you Sarah.

Mark and Barbara Threatt

December 13, 2009

Rob,

We are fortunate to have known Sarah for nearly 30 years and are so saddened that she is no longer with us. She was a lovely, gracious lady who always had a smile for us. Her eyes sparkled every time she mentioned your name. We will greatly miss her! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

the hughes

December 12, 2009

Sarah was a sophisticated lady who lived each day with the love and respect of so many. I will miss talking to you at the many school and sporting events that brought us together. Your memory will remain in the hearts of all that knew you and love you. May your memory forever be a blessing. Rob we love you , our door is always open for you with a hot meal and a warm couch.

Dane & Lynne Victorine

December 12, 2009

Sarah-dearest, your sweet smile and winning ways, your great sense of humor and excellent taste - all these and more will be deeply missed. Young Rob, your mother was a great lady. May you find comfort in knowing that she touched so many lives in such a positive way.

Teresa Lawson Hutchins

December 12, 2009

I worked with Sarah for four years at Frank L. Moose. To me, Sarah was the epitome of beauty and grace. Rob, your mother absolutely adored you and she talked about you all the time at work. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Leslie Turner-Babcock

December 12, 2009

My precious friend. I am so saddened by your passing but know you are happy with GOD. Your wonderful son will be the lasting legacy and I know your brothers will miss you terribly. Sarah, may GOD hold you in HIS loving arms forever. Know that your beautiful smiling face and friendship will be greatly missed. Much Love, Leslie and Hannah Babcock

December 12, 2009

I cannot begin to tell you how my heart hurts and how sorry I am. I was blessed to know Sarah for several years and counted her as a dear friend. I will miss her sweet face and wonderful sense of humor. Rob, please know how much your are loved and while you will miss your mom terribly, she will be with you always.

All my love,
Nancy Burton

Pam Poss

December 12, 2009

Chuck and I have been holding all of you in our hearts and prayers and will continue to do so. It is very difficult to express our deep sadness for the loss of this sweet, young girl.
chuck and Pam Poss

Delores

December 12, 2009

Sarah was a wonderful friend and co-worker. We had many fun trips to New York. Rest in Peace Sarah.

Susan Magerkurth

December 12, 2009

So very sorry for your loss -- we will miss Sarah in the neighborhood.

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