Jean U. Sauter

JACKSONVILLE, FL: Jean Upham Sauter, 92, of Jacksonville, FL, and Mansfield, OH, passed away November 14, 2014, in Jacksonville, FL.

Mrs. Sauter practiced law with her husband, George, before devoting herself to raising their children. She was an active member of the community, serving in leadership positions in both the non-profit and for profit sectors, as well as The First Congregational Church.

Mrs. Sauter was born in Mt. Vernon, OH on August 21, 1922 to James A. Upham and Mabelle Grier Upham. She was graduated from Smith College with a B.A. in American Studies and from Case Western University with a J.D.

In the 1970's, Mrs. Sauter was appointed as Referee of the Richland County Small Claims Court, the first female to hold a magisterial position in the county. An involved member of The First Congregational Church, Mrs. Sauter was the first woman moderator to lead the church; she also enjoyed her time teaching Sunday School to high school students. Among her many community activities, Mrs. Sauter most cherished her time as a member of the Board of Trustees of Ashland University and Chair of the Investment Committee; as a member of the Board of Directors of Sprint, Ohio; and as a founding Director of the Mansfield General Hospital School of Nursing.

While Mrs. Sauter greatly enjoyed playing bridge and acting in and directing plays, her favorite activities involved her family, including attending her sons' many sporting events, an activity that extended to her grandchildren as she was able in later years. Additionally, she was an enthusiastic and active member of two study clubs.

Mrs. Sauter is survived by her daughter, Peggy L. Sauter of Asheville, NC; her son, George U. (Gus) Sauter (Karen) of Malvern, PA, her son, James V. Sauter (Kristi) of Woodridge, IL; her grandson, Trace U. Sauter of Charlotte, NC; her granddaughter, Sidney G. Sauter and her grandson, Spencer J. Sauter of Woodridge, IL; her step-granddaughter Nicole Shafer Potts (Aaron) and her step-great-granddaughter, Hannah Lee Potts of Carmel, IN; her nephew, James U. Clarke of West Palm Beach, FL; her niece, Julienne C. Douglas (John) (daughters Devon and Kerry) of Vero Beach, FL and Stowe, VT; her niece, Jean G. Clarke of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; and her nephew, John G. Clarke (daughters Christina and Ingrid) of West Palm Beach, FL.

A memorial service is planned for December 10th at Hardage-Giddens Beaches Chapel in Jacksonville Beach, FL. A future service will be held at The First Congregational Church in Mansfield in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to The First Congregational Church or to the charity of one's choice.