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Sara Horner Obituary
Sara Jane HORNER Born June 16, 1999 to Joan (Gerber) Horner and Lawrence M. (Buzz) Horner, Jr. of Kent. Died Feb 5, 2007 due to complications from influenza. Sara's passion for life included a special love of horses. Sara's parents and sister, Anna, will forever miss her. Our family thanks St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, the employees of United Airlines, Lake Youngs Elem School, and the PTSA who set up the Sara Jane Horner Memorial Fund at the Bank of America.172 Entries
Aunt Jane
June 18, 2025
Sara Jane we love you very much and I try to keep you involved in our lives and my prayers. You continue to be my intercessor in Heaven! We love you and miss you.
Mom
June 17, 2025
Happy 26th birthday, Sara, even though I am a day late! As always, I wonder -- married? kids? career? hobbies? living close by? What would your life be like? I just know I would love to be a part of it. It sure would be nice to see your big, happy smile and twinkling blue eyes!
Dad has been in the UW hospital 9 days already. They are trying to get his AFIB under control with medicine rather than do another cardioversion. They don't want him out of bed unsupervised as his heart rate spikes up. He also has been having fevers at night. He had his 4th round of chemo about 2 weeks ago and had his PET scan today. Hopefully the cancer has shrunk -
we will meet with his cancer doctor in the next day or two. (Pssst. If you can pull any strings up there in Heaven, please do so!)
Anna is still working at Kenmore Air as a flight instructor. Earlier this year she and some friends went to Florida's Sun and Fun Air show. She helped out in the sun glasses booth again this year.
Quinn is in finals week and is looking forward to playing a lot of volleyball this summer. His first year at Bellevue High School flew by! Quinn is going to go to Seaside with Yvette's family this year and maybe bring a friend. If Dad is out of the hospital and strong enough, we might drive down to Seaside for a day or two, maybe even over the 4th! We'll play it by ear.
I enjoy going to Kent to feed the animals twice a day. One of our new neighbors is helping remove some trees that fell this winter, and I try to weed whack and stay out of his way! I already told him about you and pointed out your potty tree. Do you remember that pine tree by the driveway? I put a potty chair near the tree trunk so you could use it when we were outside playing! Do you remember?
Well, my little girl, I miss you so much. Until we are reunited, please keep a watchful eye on us. You have a wisdom up there that we don't have here.!
Love you always and forever!
Katie
June 16, 2025
Thinking of beautiful Sara on her birthday and missing her so very much. Sending our love and prayers to Sara's mom and dad, and her siblings. Love, Dan and Katie
Aunt Jane
February 10, 2025
Sara Jane, you are forever in my thoughts and prayers. You are my special angel in Heaven with that close connection to the Lap and Ear of our Lord so I ask you for a lot of help! We were remembering out time in the Yurt with our family and yours and the trip to the Emergency with you when you cut yourself! Also, when Uncle Paul put you and our girls on the top shelf so close to the ceiling and you were all laughing and having fun. We are so blessed to have known you and love you. Miss you -- Love Aunt Jane and Uncle Paul
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Toni Palsson
February 6, 2025
I pray for you, Sara, and your whole family. I will never forget you.
Mom
February 6, 2025
February 5, 2025
It has been 18 years since God called you back to Heaven. I still greet you every morning and remind Anna that you are on her shoulder when I think she could use your support. I still don't understand the "why" of it all, but am forever grateful to God that he blessed me with you for 7 precious years. I think when I was working, my special time with you and Grandpa Tom was when I was driving home from work late at night. Since I am now retired, I cherish my special time with you again at night, but I am not driving. I am feeding the horses. It is just you, me, and Grandpa Tom under the twinkling stars. I feel at peace, enjoying the quiet time but for an occasional hoot from an owl and the sound of the horses crunching their hay.
We never trained Willie or Smokie, the 2 foals you and Anna picked out. I remember you picked Willie because he was so tiny. They both simply became pasture pets after you left - I wonder if they would have been good Pony Club mounts for you and Anna?
2024 went by quickly as all the years do! Anna got her CFI and CFII flight ratings in Ohio and is working at Kenmore Air and giving flight lessons on the side. Quinn is in 9th grade at Bellevue High School. Since Anna is still living in the Bellevue house, I thought Quinn might as well go to one of the top 10 high schools in the state. Little did we know that Dad would come down with lung cancer and now spends all of his time at the Bellevue house, too. Unless traffic is bad, it just takes us about 15 minutes to go over the bridge from Bellevue to Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Seattle. To complicate matters, Dad is just getting over pneumonia and hopes to get his 2nd chemo treatment next week.
I keep busy travelling to the animals in Kent and back to Bellevue twice a day. I take Dad to his doctor appts and Quinn to/from school and then to his volletball practices and robotics club. I am cherishing my chauffeur duties as I know the time will come too soon when Quinn will be driving himself, and I will be seeing less and less of him. And, of course, I love the animals. So I am enjoying my "job"!
Once again, my sweet Sara, I miss you, I love you, I will continue to walk with you under the stars among the horses.
Erin Eschbach
February 5, 2025
Thinking about you today- hard to believe it´s been so long. Sending love to your family -Erin Eschbach
Aunt Jane
August 1, 2024
Hi Sara, I have been thinking of you! I think of you at every Mass as that is the closest time I feel to all my loved ones in Heaven. I was also thinking of you as my Sarah prepares for her wedding!!! I am certain you are interceding for her and loving her from Heaven. It brings back memories of when you were both so little and Sarah locked you in the bedroom!!!! She did not like that you called her Stark Elizabeth because of course no one else could be named Sara in your eyes! We had to be adults but it was so funny and cute. We talked to our Sarah and explained things and you were the ONLY one she allowed to call her Lizzie!! Ever. Such fun memories. I feel very close to you in Heaven and know that we will all be together again there one day. Love you and your family. Aunt Jane
Katie and Dan
July 26, 2024
Thinking of you on your Baptism Birthday, Sara. We love you and miss you.
Mom
June 18, 2024
Happy belated 25th birthday, Sara! I actually send a message to you on your birthday, but it seems it didn't go through even though the site said someone sent a message. I tried to attach a photo so I don't know where it or my message went!!! I admit I am technologically challenged!
I haven't written to you since February, 2023, over a year ago! I missed your birthday note last year as it was such a very busy month -
Anna had 2 graduation ceremonies from UW celebrating her Spanish and Biology majors. My renters of 6 years moved out of the Bellevue house and returned to Arizona. Anna moved into the Bellevue house as she and her UW roommates were going seperate ways. By staying in the house Anna wouldn't have to worry about leases or subletting an apt if her passion for aviation took her elsewhere.
Ms F. from Lake Young's Elementary emailed me that she was retiring and asked if I would be interested in the little saddle stool that she had your 2nd grade classmates make in your honor. You would have loved those thumb print horses! It was good to see her and I told her I would regularly pass by the library to check on the stool when I volunteered for Anna's and then Quinn's school years. I often wondered (and worried!) what would become of that precious stool and am overjoyed to have it with us. Right now it sits by the window in Anna's bedroom in Bellevue.
Finally we had to get ready for our annual trip to Seaside for the 4th of July. Besides Yvette and Family, this year Quinn invited a volleyball friend, Desmond, for a few days!
I always try to go off by myself for a few hours when I write to you. I smile, still shed some tears, miss you and thank God for gifting you to me for 7 precious years. It just didn't happen last year, but that's ok. I know you understand because you are always with me.
This year your birthday fell on Sunday, Father's Day. Anna took Dad flying and out to eat. Quinn said he would go fishing and golfing with him. That will be quite a sacrifice for Quinn because he isn't really into golfing or fishing!!!
I wonder what you would have done on Father's Day/your birthday!? Something special for the both of you, I am sure!
I am going to send a picture of your chair seperately to increase the odds of sending this correctly!
Love you,
Katie and Dan
June 16, 2024
Dearest Sara,
We miss you and think of you often, especially on your 25th birthday today. You are forever in our hearts and we love you.
Buzz Horner
June 10, 2024
Love you Honey Bear ,your birthday is coming up on the 16th you have been with us for 25 years on the 16th ,I always thought you would turn sweet 16 on the 16th , it was a day I thought of on the day that you were born ,that day my first words to you as the doctors handed me you were welcome to this world sweetheart, I didn't know at that time it would be so short in this world ,you will always be with us .
Love you sweetheart
Daddy
Jane Stark
February 7, 2024
Grandma Donna and I talked with your mom on Monday. 17 years ago such a shock and great heartache. You are as I have said before my special little heavenly saint and my go to prayer intercessor along with Grandpa Gerber. Miss you and love you and thank you for always being there when I need to talk with you!!
Buzz ( Daddy )
February 6, 2024
Another year has passed ,another ring has grown around the pain in my heard , I love You Honey Bear , remember I gave you that name after we read the children's book about Sara Bear and having her cousin coming to visit for a week Sara the Bear wasn't happy but after getting to know him she was sad when he went home , those were some of the best times reading library books at bedtime and each weekly trip to the library to pick out new books to read with your little sister Anna , I have done the same with your brother Quinn.
Miss you HONEY BEAR
LOVE YOU
DADDY
Katie and Dan
February 5, 2024
Missing you very much, Dearest Sara!
Erin Eschbach
February 5, 2024
Sara,
Thinking about you today. Hard to believe it’s been so many years..
Joan, I saw your response to my last message. I would love to get in contact with you to catch up. Please feel free to email me and we can exchange phone numbers as well. I look forward to connecting ❤
[email protected]
Jane Stark
June 20, 2023
I thought of you yesterday but forgot to post this!! You are my special friend in heaven and as you know, Sara Jane, I talk to you often!! God blessed us with you for too short a time here in earth. Love you and your family
Katie and Dan
June 19, 2023
Thinking of you and missing you so much, Sara, and especially on your 24th birthday. You are always in our hearts, Sara.
Buzz Horner
June 11, 2023
Yesterday your little sister Anna Marie graduated from U.W. , she carried the picture of you and her in your pony club outfits at a riding lesson ,I remember playing football with you and Anna on husky field which she walked down yesterday to receive her degree in Biology and a second in Spanish ,I know you help guide her on her journey, Mom ,Quinn your brother who I know you helped in his creation and myself were there to watch with pride , we may have been sitting on seat cushions that you help clean and collect when we went down with church St. JOHN THE BABTIST , each year at the end of football season , I remember you running 100 yards up the field and 100 yards down the and hit the tackling dummies you were such a fast runner .
Awhile ago I stopped to get coffee and gave my credit card to the young lady helping me ,she saw my wrist band ,blue and white which says Sara has touched my life on it and asked me if I was Sara's Dad , I said yes and she told me that she was Jennifer and that she still has her blue and white band that your mother and I gave to all your class mates at school ,your friend Alexis from pony club makes mud balls and leaves them on your grave ,you and her after your riding lesson would make the best mudballs around .
We miss you
You are always with us and included in all family events
Love you
Daddy
Mom
February 9, 2023
Hi Sara:
Today is February 9, 4 days after the anniversary of your death and 4 days before the anniversay of your funeral. What a terrible time of year the month of February still is for me. Even as the days are noticeably growing longer, and Spring is fast approaching with the promise of new life, I still, after 16 years, mourn the passing of your young life with unrealized joys and opportunities. All the would-have-beens and could-have-beens. My only comfort is knowing that you are cuddled in God's loving arms now and forever.
Anna will be home within the hour so we can then drop her off at the airport. She will fly to Denver to spend the weekend skiing with Annelena. Anna flew to Roseberg, Oregon last night, refueled in Eugene and returned to Harvey Field about 1:00am this morning. Hopefully she was able to stay awake in her University class this morning! She is trying to get her flight hours in!
Quinn is happy in middle school and playing volleyball and basketball on the side. After basketball will be soccer and more volleyball. He is taller than I am now!
Whisper is getting thinner and thinner even though I am pumping senior horse feed into her! Hopefully she will be able to enjoy another warm summer.
We are down to 4 chickens thanks to the coyotes, eagles, hawks and owls. Quinn is already asking when the baby chicks will be arriving at the feed store! It is tradition to get two chicks for you, two for Anna, and two for himself!
I see Anna is coming up the driveway, so I'll sign off for now.
As the song goes, "You are always on my mind."
Love,
Katie
February 5, 2023
We are thinking of you and Sara today, Joan. God's Blessings on all of you.
Mom
July 17, 2022
Happy Belated Birthday, Sara!
Today is JULY 16! No, I did not forget your birthday, but was busy on June 16th volunteering at Quinn's 6th grade graduation party all day. Dad and I were assigned to the snack table and had a nice visit with Mrs. K. and acknowledged with her that it was your birthday. You never had her as a teacher but were in her daughter's class. Remember Gracie?
It was a fairly nice day with just a little rain. Quinn had fun with his friends playing games, eating pizza, and guessing baby pictures. (When Anna submitted her picture at her 6th grade graduation party, she wanted to include you because you never had the opportunity to submit your own. So she submitted the two of you riding Swiftwind!)
Then on June 17 both Dad and I volunteered again, this time at the school outdoor day. We didn't see much of Quinn as we were assigned a different class for a while and then handed out Otter Pops to all the classes. We weren't so lucky with the weather as it rained much of the day. The kids didn't seem to mind, though!
Quinn is looking forward to moving up to middle school, but there is a certain sadness for me. Another chapter closing. There are many happy memories of volunteering at Lake Youngs as I watched the 3 of you kids navigate each grade level. Of course, our lives changed over night when you passed away. Your second grade class honored you by having each student in your class make a thumb print horse on a saddle stool. It is in the library and if a class wasn't in the library, I would sometimes go there and touch your stool during my volunteer day. I wonder how many little girls and boys sit on it and love those little horses, not knowing it was made to honor my horse crazy little girl!
I guess I might now want to make a point to go visit Lake Youngs twice a year -- February 5 and June 16. Maybe I can sit for a minute or two on your stool and reflect on our time here and the special teachers who have touched our lives.
It has been a busy month - Anna came home from her Spring quarter in Spain and will be working at Kenmore Air this summer. Quinn participated in a basketball clinic right after school let out, and then we went to Seaside for a week over the 4th and had an ocean facing unit! Perfect viewing for the fireworks! Quinn is swimming 5 days a week, playing flag football and is working on his next belt in karate. In August he will attend another basketball camp.
So we are keeping busy but as always longing for you to be in the mix with us.
Love you forever,
Jane Stark
June 17, 2022
Sara I thought of you and your family yesterday. I wish you were here. However thanks so much for being one of my prayer warriors in heaven. You and Grandpa are my go to prayer warriors and I find that very comforting although I would prefer you to still be here. Love you so much
Katie
June 16, 2022
Dearest Sara,
Your very sweet and loving mom reminded me that you would be 23 years old today, on June 16th. I am feeling very sad, but I want you to know how much you are loved and are missed.
Dad
March 20, 2022
Honey Bear ,I miss You
I think about you every day
Anna made a wooden angel and painted it and placed a picture of you on one side and a picture of her on the other side ,your towel with your name on it hangs in the bathroom and I amble to honor you every mourning and night with these present
Love You Honey
I would love to read books to you and Anna as we did every night at bedtime again ,the books pop up in my mind at different times and places ,do you send me these thoughts?
Love You
Daddy
Toni Palsson
February 7, 2022
Sara, you are often in my thoughts. I pray for you and your family and will never forget.
Aunt Jane
February 7, 2022
Hi Sara Jane, we always called you that to differentiate you from our Sarah (Stark Elizabeth)as you used to call her as you didn´t want her to have the same name as you. I remembered when we went to the Yerts camping and you fell and your mom and I took you to get stitches. I also remember when Uncle Paul put you, our Sarah and Kristina up on the shelf in the hotel we were staying in. What fun. We love you and I appreciate praying to you to intercede for my prayers and talk to Jesus for me as you are there with Him. Love you Sara Jane.
Mom
February 6, 2022
February 5, 2022
My Dearest Sara:
Covid is still with us - the Omicron Variant now. More contageous but less severe. And guess what? Dad, Quinn, and I came down with it! Dad showed symptoms on Jan. 25, Quinn on Jan 27, and my symptoms started on Saturday, Jan 29. Quinn's symptoms were slight fever and the chills, but by noon the next day he was his old self again! Dad's symptoms were similar and lasted several days. My recovery is taking a bit longer - my 8th day now, but I am feeling much better. I had the slight fever, chills, loss of appetite, a few days of not being able to taste or smell, no energy, and pain behind my eyes. But Uncle Dan, Aunt Jane and Aunt Katie put their heads together, devised a mostly vitamin plan for me! It is working well! I only have a slight cough, but have no pain or sore throat! Hopefully, a few more days of rest and following Aunt Jane's nifty chart will let me be up and about again! In the meantime, I have been watching the Winter Olympics while I mend.
Anna hasn't gotten Covid yet. She went skiing on Friday, but said the snow at Crystal was very good. Or maybe she was already spoiled by the nice snow in Colorado - she went skiing with Annalena last weekend!
I can't believe you have been gone 15 years already! I guess it will always seem like yesterday to me. I am so glad Erin remembers you every year. It means a lot to me, and I am sure you watch after her in whatever way you are able, too.
Erin, if you by chance read this note, I'd love to catch up with you! Please call, text, or write! It would be wonderful to see where life has taken you!
Oh, Sara, Diane said Lexi made the best little mud ball yet for you. Remember after your riding lessons you girls would go behind the arena and made little mud balls? Anna would sometimes go with you. Fun memories! I'll have to ask Diane if I can attach the picture of Lexi holding her mud ball!
Sara, please keep shining your happiness and love down upon all of us.
Love,
Mom
Erin Eschbach
February 5, 2022
Thinking of you and your family today. Sending love!
Erin Eschbach
Katie
July 25, 2021
Thinking of you on your Baptismal Birthday and missing you so much, Sara.
Love Always,
Katie and Dan
Joan Horner
June 18, 2021
Happy Belated 22nd Birthday, Sara. June 16 was a beautiful day! I took Quinn to the bus stop in the morning with the golf cart since the truck was in the shop for repairs. Mt Rainier was bright with white snow against the blue sky. On my way back home home a young deer was walking along the driveway. We don't see many deer on our land, but it was a special surprise to see one on your birthday!
Quinn has been going to in person class for a few months now. It is only from 9:15am - 12:45pm but he enjoys it so much more than on-line, and says he can concentrate better at school! PE, Library, and Music are still on-line in the afternoons. He wants to continue with the trumpet next year, so hopefully music class will be more interesting in person.
Unfortunately, some younger people, mostly teenage boys, have had adverse reactions to the Covid shots with swelling of the heart being one of them. So I have heard the word "myocarditis" frequently in the last few months. It always "stings" when I hear the word. Still.
Anna celebrated her 20th birthday with college friends. Some of them went for a boat ride on Lake Washington. That was especially nice for Emily, a friend of Anna's from New York, who flew in to celebrate with her. Since rain threatened, they didn't have a potluck at Ravenna Park, but instead about 15 friends celebrated at Chelsea's apartment.
As I do every year, I wonder what you would have done on your birthday this year. Anna's birthday was on Saturday this year, yours on Wednesday. I went with Anna on your birthday to see Simon. She is going to a show next weekend and is trying to get herself and Simon in shape. Luckily school is over and she can concentrate more on riding. She resigned from her job signing people up for Covid shots since she will be taking a 4 week course to become a nurse assistant starting next week.
I sure wish you were still with us here on earth. Please keep watch over us all!
Love
Mom
Dan and Katie
June 16, 2021
We are thinking of you on your 22nd birthday, Sara! We love you and we miss you so much.
Joan Horner
February 6, 2021
February 5, 2021
Dear Sara:
It makes me so happy that Erin continues to remember you after all these years, 14 to be exact! (Thank you so much, Erin, for letting Sara continue to be a part of your life as you have grown from a child to a teenager and now a young woman. I hope Sara continues to be an inspiration and comfort to you throughout your life just as she is to mine.)
Aunt Mary went to Mass for you and our family this morning. She also took Communion to Grandma Donna after Mass, so know that she is praying for us as well!
The Covid-19 virus is still wrecking havoc on our economy. Dad took his 1st Covid and goes in for a 2nd booster on Feb 15. Quinn and Anna are still studying remotely. Quinn has been taking swimming and riding lessons so he at least gets out a little bit. There is talk about reopening schools soon so he will once again be able to see his friends.
Anna is still riding, flying, and volunteering at Swedish. She has her private pilot's license now and is working towards her instrument rating. She recently started a temporary job working out of her house! She calls people in Texas to set up appointments for Covid shots. She will be doing this for a few months and works about 20/week.
Airlines have been still suffering from low passenger loads. United has come out with another voluntary separation offer so I am studying it now to see if this one would work for me. Just think! I haven't been to work in over a year! First Dad's open heart surgery Feb 6, 2020 and then Covid.
When Aunt Mary and I were talking yesterday, I was telling her about the time you got mad at me. You were maybe about 4 years old. I don't even remember why you were mad, but you were so mad that you were going to leave home! I asked you not to go, but you were determined to leave so I offered to help you pack you bag clothes and a few toys. I walked with you out to the driveway and watched as you started walking by the barn. I told you I loved you and really didn't want you to go and that I wished you would please stay! And guess what?! You turned around and came back!!!! Whew! I wasn't sure what I was going to do if you hadn't changed your mind!!!!
Happy little memories, my love. That's what life is made of. Just a lot of happy little memories.
I will love you forever and a day, Sara!
Mom
Jane Stark
February 6, 2021
Always miss you Sara. Your picture still hangs in my office. Love you always. Aunt Jane
Toni Palsson
February 6, 2021
Dear Sara,
I think of you very often and all day, yesterday, you and your sweet family were on my mind and heart.
You, leaving this human world was a tragedy for all who knew you and it is hard to keep the faith about why these things happen. I just have to believe that being in the presence of Jesus will be worth the sorrow of this fragile existence on Earth.
I heard something recently that touched my heart: We are all just walking each other home. ❤.
You are already experiencing the Glory of God. Please pray for us.
Toni Palsson
Retired Lake Youngs Teacher
Erin Eschbach
February 5, 2021
Thinking of you, Sara, today especially!
Much love,
Erin Eschbach
Katie
July 27, 2020
We are thinking of you, Sara, on the anniversary of your Baptism, July 26th. We love you and we miss you very much.
Your Godparents
July 27, 2020
We are thinking of you, Sara, on the anniversary of your Baptism, July 26th. We love you and we miss you very much.
Your Godparents
Aunt Jane
June 17, 2020
Sara know that you are always remembered. Never forgotten. We will all dance again together in Heaven one day. I keep this picture in my office. I printed it out and it has stayed with me since you went to Heaven. It has been in Eau Claire, Kansas City and now Sheboygan! Love you
Joan Horner
June 17, 2020
June 16, 2020
Happy 21st birthday, Sara! I wonder how you would have celebrated this special day today -- would you be studying? getting together with friends,? celebrating with us?
It would have been fun to have taken you out to dinner since the restaurants have just started opening up again after several months of being closed due to Covid-19!
Anna didn't get together with her friends last week because of social distancing rules. Instead she went to Ellensburg where the social distancing has been more relaxed than in King County. She spent the day with her friend, Ellen, and went for a trail ride followed by a relaxing evening catching up with their lives. Both still are interested in flying and riding!
I wonder what your friends would have been like, what career path you might have chosen, and what your outside interests would have been.....
Anna enjoyed her first year at UW, even though she would have preferred not to have finished the year with on line classes!
Again, a social distancing precaution due to the virus.
A summer intership to Africa with the UW was also cancelled due to the virus. So Anna is going to concentrate on flying, riding, and her internship at Swedish Hospital this summer.
Today I thought of you even more than I normally do, Sara. The day for us was pretty normal. Anna had a flying lesson this morning. Quinn and I went to the feed store to get grain for Whisper. She is 27 years old now and her teeth are bad. She had been an easy keeper, but now I struggle to keep weight on her. You never knew her, but I think you would have loved Whisper! The only animal around here now that knew you is Molly, the Mustang. Anna rode her yesterday down the trail, and Molly was not happy! She hadn't been ridden for a while and didn't want to leave her buddies!
Anyway, this after Anna came home after flting, we went to Joe's so Anna could ride Simon. Then we got a pizza for supper. That's it! A pretty ordinary day - but I wish you could have shared it with us.
Aunt Jane reminded me that she has your picture, the one we took at Church for the Communion board, on her desk. I am so touched that she holds you close to her heart even after you left us 14 years ago. May your little angel light be a guiding light for her and for us all as we search for our path to heaven.
I love you forever and a day, Sara!
Mom
June 16, 2020
Thinking of you on your 21st Birthday, Sara.
We love you and miss you so much.
Love,
Your Godparents,
Katie and Dan
February 5, 2020
Joan,
Thinking of you and your family today and prayers for peace and God's blessings.
Sara is so very missed.
Love,
Katie
September 1, 2019
We went to the Ellensburg Rodeo last night, Sara! It is a tradition I've cherished all these years ever since I held you all wrappd up on a cool night in the bleachers when you were 2-1/2 months old! Quinn has been to 9 and Anna 18 straight rodeos so far. I know at some point Anna will have other plans -- work, travels, other exciting adventures with friends - something will tear her away from us, but I am tickled we were all together last night for another rodeo. The traffic going over the Pass after Quinn got out of school at 4pm was the worst I've ever seen. Anna drove seperately 2 hours earlier with Thomas, a friend from school, to hang out with another friend, Helen, who is at the U. in Ellensberg. Anna and Helen both are into horses and flying! We all got to the rodeo a little lare, but were there for the grand entrance!
Quinn was at times playing Roblox games on my phone, but told me he was "surprised that he was actually enjoying the rodeo this year!"
We didn't camp out this year as Dad's wrists were sore and he wanted to be able to use his C-Pap machine. We originally thought we'd drive back over this morning for the parade and fair, but since we got in at 1:00am we just ended up sleeping in for a relaxing Saturday morning!
Thinking of you always! Love,
Mom
July 26, 2019
Dearest Sara,
Thinking of you on your Baptism Birthday. We all love you and miss you so very much!
Love,
Your Godparents
Jane Stark
June 23, 2019
Hi Sara. I have been thinking about you a lot lately. Know that you are dearly missed and left such a wonderful impact on so many with your beautiful smile and cuteness!! You are such a thoughtful girl and just so joyful I am sure you are having fun in Heaven with Grandpa!!! Uncle Paul was remembering you and how sweet you were following our Sarah around calling her Stark Elizabeth. You were so innocent and just could not believe that someone else had you name. We would tell you her name then you would say you understood that she had the same name then turn around and call her Stark Elizabeth. IT was so very cute. Sarah did not like it though and locked you in the bedroom. It seemed like forever that you were in there until Uncle Paul could take the door knob off. You were so cute and patient. Sarah then allowed you to have a special nick name for her so only you could call her Lizzy. Sarah loved the nickname and you liked it too!!! Uncle Paul also remembered putting you and the other girls on the high shelf at the condo we stayed at with your mom and dad and he members laughing and loving dancing with you at the wedding and twirling you round and round. Just wanted to share. Love you Sara. Aunt Jane
June 15, 2019
Dear Sara,
You are thought of and talked about often! We will always remember you, miss you, and love you. God will join us all together someday. Happy 20th Birthday, precious Sara.
Love Always,
Katie and Dan
Anna's Last Day of High School AND 18th Birthday!!!
Jane Stark
June 12, 2019
Hi Sara,
Your Mom sent this email out to all of us. She is so happy for Anna and so proud of her accomplishments. However, it is a sad day as well as your mommy misses you so much and misses all that could have been here on earth with you.
We know you are our little intercessor angel in Heaven and I love asking you to sit on Jesus' lap to ask Him things for me!!!
Here is your mom's note:
Anna's 18th birthday. Her last day of school. No more driving her to school. No more making school lunches. My heart is heavy as she joyfully drives off to school one last time. The stairwell salute.
Tomorrow is graduation. I am excited for Anna as she moves on to the next chapter of her life. Yet I am sitting in the quiet of the house. Alone. Weeping.
Anna's last day of High School
Mom
June 12, 2019
Joan Horner
June 12, 2019
Oh, Sara, I am missing you so much right now. Anna turned 18 today and it is her last day of school as well. I took a picture of her by the car just before she drove off to school and sent it to Aunt Katie, Aunt Jane and Aunt Mary. These normally happy/sad milestones are doubly sad for me, not only because it closes another chapter in Quinn and Anna's lives as they move on to new adventures, but it is a painful reminder of the chapters that you were never able to write in your own book of life. Anna will be going to the University of Washington. Would you have gone to Raisbeck Aviation High School and then on to UW as well? Or would you have chosen a different path. I see in Erin's beautiful note to you that she wonders the same as well.
I feel that you were cheated of these milestones, and those of us who love you were cheated, too. But then I must remember and accept the fact that God is in charge. "... Thy will be done..." I remind myself how blessed I am to have had you in my life at all and am so thankful to God for that.
Since I work tonight, Anna is going to celebrate her birthday with some of her friends. They are going out for spaghetti! Would you please be on her shoulder and watch over her tonight...and always? I must get Quinn up and ready for school.......
Love you!
Mom
June 10, 2019
Hey Sara, There are some very nice pics of you and your family on this sight. You were quite the cute little thing. I have a grand daughter turning 7 this Aug. so I've been thinking about you a lot. I'm traveling to Seattle thurs. to attend your sister's graduation. It will be nice seeing your Mom and Dad and brother too. Love you, Aunt Merry
February 5, 2019
Missing you, Sara. It has been 12 years. We will always love you. I just read the note from your close friend, Erin. It is a beautiful message.
Love,
Katie and Dan
Erin Eschbach
February 4, 2019
Sara,
My heart is heavy as another year has passed since you've been gone. I ache with your family and loved ones during this time and pray that they are surrounded by beautiful memories from your joyous life! I distinctly remember writing a prayer for you and sending it away in a balloon at church when you passed and hope you received all of our CCD classes love. I have sinced graduated HS and now live in AZ, where I am studying to become a Nurse. I cannot help but wonder where you would be today and how many lives you would've touched, as you touched so many in just 7 short years. Sara, you hold a special place in my heart and I know you are smiling down on us. Much love, Erin Eschbach
(Kelly and Eric's daughter - St.John the Baptist)
Your Godparents
June 17, 2018
Thinking of you, Sara, on your 19th birthday (June 16). Aunt Jane was telling us a cute story she fondly remembers when you visited her home. We all love you and miss you!
Jane Stark
February 17, 2018
Hi Sara, I did a message on February 5 but it looks like it did not save :(. I wanted to remind your mom and dad, sister and brother that you are definitely not forgotten. I think of you often and as you know, I ask you to pray for my intentions regularly. I know you are with Jesus and so close to Him and I think of you as my little angel connection. Thank you for the times you hear my prayers and pray to Jesus on my behalf. I wish you were here with us but I do treasure knowing you are still with our Communion of Saints praying along side us.
I keep your candle on our Christmas tree every year as a remembrance of you. I also have one I keep by the manger but with all of our moving the past few years I have not found that one yet!
We were talking when my Sarah was home about how funny it was when you did not like that you both had the same name. So you called her Stark Elizabeth in that cute kind of squeaky little sweet voice. Sarah got so mad she locked you in the bedroom at our house!!! We turned the door knob around so you could not be locked in again. It was so cute.
Sarah was saying how she thinks of you often -- in fact, she uses the number 7 as her special number even in her email address! She does that in memory of you :). You have touched many lives in a wonderful way.
I also remember when we went camping in the Yerts with you and your family and you fell. Your mom and I took you to the emergency room as you cut yourself and I was impressed at how brave you were. I think they just used the glue to seal up your cute but you did such a great job.
I think it was that same trip that Uncle Paul put you, Anna, Sarah and Kristina up on the decorative shelf at the condo we stayed at and I LOVE that picture. Such fun.
I also remember the wedding for your cousin Dianne. You were so pretty in the new dress and you were so poised and proper helping serve the cake. I remember getting compliments about you. We stopped at that craft store and you picked out a cute bird as your present.
I treasure your memories and know that we will see each other again in Heaven and then I can feel your great big hug again. Until then, air hugs!!!!!
Love you. Aunt Jane
Joan Horner
February 15, 2018
February 15, 2018
Hello, my Sara!
Quinn and I are here at the library. He is sitting next to me playing ROBLOX, taking advantage of his 3 hour early release days this week due to parent/teacher conferences! We had his conference with Mrs. Jones yesterday on Valentine's Day.
Valentine's Day has taken on a different meaning for me since it is now also the anniversary of your burial. It wasn't planned that way, it was just the date that worked on Fr. Jim's calendar.
Aunt Mary and Aunt Jane fittingly cut out red, pink and white hearts on pieces of paper so people could write a quick note to you and place it in your casket. I can't remember if I wrote a note or not! I do remember that Aunt Jacquie wrote a note because it ended up on the table where we displayed some of your things - Pony Club pins, pictures, your artwork. They are all safely tucked away together!
Yesterday was chilly and drizzly, just like it was 11 years ago when we released the doves at your grave site. They circled around several times and then flew home, symbolic, I suppose, of your little soul returning home to Jesus.
Someone had put a little Beanie Baby pony in the casket with you at your wake the night before. How Anna had wanted to keep that little pony! Well, as you were being lowered into the cold, dark ground, Anna leaned over, looked down and said, "Bye, little pony!" A moment of levity at such an incredibly sad moment! I couldn't help but smile at the innocence of a little girl not yet able to grasp the gravity of the moment. And I also prayed that God (and you) would help me guide her, knowing that she would grieve your death differently as she grew older.
Sara, I hope you will always be looking over Anna and Quinn. When Anna is anxious about a test at school or a Pony Club rating, I remind her that you are on her shoulder and that she should ask for your help. I hope that you can be there for them in your own way.
I love you!
Mom
Joan Horner
February 5, 2018
February 5, 2018
Oh, my sweet little girl!
It seems like yesterday when you would run to my arms after school with the happiest smile on your face, giggling in my ear as I twirled you around outside the school doors!
Yet, now, here we are enduring the 11th anniversary of your death. I thought that by now I would be able to look at the pictures entered in this book without crying, but here I sit at the library computer with tears streaming down my cheeks, staring at your name in bold letters: SARA JANE HORNER and below that: Obituary, Condolences, Gallery. It seems so unreal to see your name here in the Guest Book. Yet this is the reality we must suffer with.
It is flu season again, and yes, other children have died from complications from the flu this year. I ache for those parents and siblings. How I hate this time of year! In fact, the new Lake Young's principal approached me last Wednesday as I was waiting for Quinn before the bell rang. She just wanted me to know that she was thinking of us as she knew this was a difficult time of year for our family. Since she was not the principal back then, I didn't realize that she knew of your death. But she is Mrs. B's friend and so knew of what our school had gone through from her.
I told Mrs. L. that I so appreciated her comments, that it tickles me when people remember you - it validates your place on this earth for me. It is sort of a "tie that binds", I guess.
I have written to you using my cell phone many times before...long comments....but somehow they don't get in this Guest Book. One was about Alexis and her travels, and how she still wears the blue and white bracelet (on her ankle) that Uncle Dan and Aunt Katie had printed with "Sara has touched my life". It took me several hours to write the comments that Diane shared with me, but, sadly, those thoughts never got through to this book. It thrills me you are a part of Lexi's life - I just wish I could have documented it better here.
Maybe I just wrote too much on Lexi's comments and the other letters. Fearing that might be the case and not wanting to loose what I have written now, I will close even though I have more I want to share.
By the way, I realize I don't have to write anything in this book for you to know what I think and how I feel. When I "lost" one of my letters to you, Aunt Katie reminded me of that. But I will tell you a secret: putting my thoughts down in this book is another validation for me. But most of all the book with all its entries might be a comfort to Anna and Quinn as they grow older: Quinn to know better the sister he never met, and Anna to remember the sister she loved and looked up to. Maybe some day they will know the book exists and make entries of their own!
With all my love,
Mom
Katie & Dan
February 5, 2018
Sara - Thinking of you and your Mom today and knowing how much your wonderful and loving Mom misses you every day. We all miss you and love you.
Katie and Dan
July 26, 2017
Thinking of you, Sara, on your 18th Baptism Birthday and always remembering and missing you so much. We love you.
Jane Stark
June 17, 2017
We were thinking of Sara and all of you on your 18th birthday. I redid this picture of you. Mom has great memories of helping you with this quilt project at school. God bless you all.
June 16, 2017
Thinking of you on your 18th birthday, Sara. We miss you so much and think of you often and what college you would be going to and what you would be studying and how your love of horses would play into your plans. We will never understand why you were taken from your loving family so suddenly and so young, but all of us who love you believe in the promise of God that you are safe and free and happy in His care and we will all be reunited again.
Love,
Your Godparents
Toni Palsson
February 6, 2017
I thought about the Horner family all day yesterday, Joan, Bud, Anna, Quinn and of course, Sara, were in my heart. ❤. I pray for all of you and ask for Our Lord's blessing on each of you.
Erin Eschbach
February 5, 2017
It has been far too long since I've wrote something on here, probably a couple years to be exact. My mind can't help but wonder into our CCD classes and preschool memories, all the fun times we shared! My thoughts are with your family at this time, and I truly miss you and your kind heart. I know you're looking down on everyone, making sure they're okay. You are loved and missed every day. Much love Sara- I miss you dearly. Your friend, Erin Eschbach
Joan Horner
February 5, 2017
February 5, 2017
I cannot sleep tonight. In a few hours it will be the 10th Anniversary of your death. Ten years - a lifetime ago, yet only yesterday.
I look at the pictures in this guest book and both laugh and cry remembering our time together. You and Anna were so proud of that birthday hat you made for me, and I wore it just as proudly out to breakfast! You were so happy riding Pixie at camp that warm summer day. Family. Two little sisters who were best of friends ...... and then a little brother who never met you. You have had an impact on both of them in huge but different ways.
Quinn speaks of you regularly. "Does Sara know I am here?" Or "Was I born when Sara died?" When he gets in trouble he asks: "Did Sara ever get in trouble?" When I answer, "yes", he wants to know what you did that got you in trouble!"
Even yesterday morning when we went to breakfast after his basketball game, out of the clear blue Quinn asked when you died. I said that it was interesting that you were on his mind because the 10th Anniversary of your death was tomorrow and I had never brought it up. Then he asked how you died. When I told him you died of myocarditis, that wasn't enough. He wanted me to tell him everything about that fateful day 10 years ago today. All these questions and more he has asked before. It makes me think two things: that he continues to process your death differently as he grows older, and that you are indeed a part of his life. This gives me great comfort!
Anna, too, has processed your death many times over since losing you at 5 years old. After her 1st day in 2nd grade, I asked her how she liked being in 2nd grade. She answered matter-of-factly: "The worst thing about 2nd grade is February 5th. If I live until the afternoon, I will be the luckiest."
Now that she was also 7 and in 2nd grade, Anna was carrying the heavy burden that she, too, might very well die on February 5.
A few winters ago, we lost your dear pony, Pixie. Anna and I were determined she would not die alone. We built a makeshift shelter with a tarp to protect us all from the snow and took turns sitting with her. I am so grateful that Pixie took her last breath on Anna's watch. It just seemed fitting that Anna, you and Pixie shared that moment of closure together.
And you. As the years go by, I often wonder where your passions would lie. Would you still be playing the piano? Golfing? Horses? College bound? Would you be tender-hearted? Compassionate? Happy? One thing I am certain of -- that I would have been proud of the special young woman you would have become.
Oh, Sara. That I miss you so is an understatement. Know that I speak of you often, pray for you nightly, and think of you always.
Love,
Mom
February 4, 2017
Thinking of you and your family today, Sara. Even though we feel very sad, we know that you are in God's care and love. Missing you! It has been ten years already but you are forever in our hearts...always!
Love,
Your Godparents
July 26, 2016
Happy Baptism Birthday, Sara! We love you and miss you so much.
Love,
Aunt Katie and Uncle Dan
June 16, 2016
Thinking of you on your 17th birthday, Sara. We miss you and love you and think about you a lot.
Love,
Katie and Dan
Jane Stark
February 8, 2016
Jane Stark
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February 6, 2016
Hi Sara, I'm in Graham today at your Aunt Jamie and Uncle Terry's home. As I get older time just flies by. So it seems like I last saw you just days ago but in reality it's been several years. You were such a sweet little girl, wish I could hug you. Love, Aunt Merry
Jane Stark
February 6, 2016
Dearest Joan, Anna Buzz and Quinn,
Just a note to let you know that your beautiful Sara Jane will never be forgotten. Her picture will always remain in my office as it has these past 9 years. She is my special prayer partner to intercede for me as needed. Her little candle is one of my special Christmas tree decorations. As we are getting ready for our move, I recall her squeaky "Stark Elizabeth" when she talked to our Sarah and how our Sarah locked Sara Jane in the bedroom!!! I think when we sold that house the door knob was still reversed!
We love you all and one day we will all be together again.
God bless you all
Jane
February 5, 2016
We are especially thinking of Sara and her family today and keep them in our prayers.
Love,
Dan and Katie
July 25, 2015
Thinking of you today on your Baptism Birthday, Sara. We hold you close in our hearts and thoughts.
Love Always,
Your Godparents
June 17, 2015
Happy 16th Birthday Sara. Missing you. Aunt Merry
June 16, 2015
Dear Sara,
We are thinking of you on your Sweet 16 Birthday and we really miss you! You are forever in our hearts and thoughts.
Love,
Uncle Dan and Aunt Katie
Mom
June 16, 2015
Dear Sara:
Anna pins pictures and paints quotes on her bedroom wall that have special meaning for her. She has a picture on the wall of the two of you at the end of her school year picnic in the preschool gym. You are 5 and Anna is 3. You are both standing by our blanket eating something, and you have your arm around Anna. She has a big smile on her face. The quote by Robert Brault she painted by the picture is:
And they said "I am sorry for your loss." as if you were someone who could ever be taken away from me.
Needless to say you have been and will always be a part of Anna's life.
She is in school now but wishes you a happy 16th birthday.
Love,
Mom
June 16, 2015
"Sweet 16" Birthday
You would have been 16 years old today, my dear Sara. When you were about 6 years old and becoming so passionate about
horses I told you that if you still had that passion when you turned 16 that I would send you to a week long horse training camp with a prominent trainer for your sweet 16 birthday present. I would give anything to have been able to keep that promise. Wishing you were here. Happy Sweet 16th birthday, my Sara. Love always
February 6, 2015
Sara, today I'm thinking that now in early Feb. I remember you and my Mom(your Grandma Shirley) as she passed away a year ago on this Feb 10th. Miss you and miss seeing who you were to become. Love, Aunt Merry
Toni Palsson
February 6, 2015
I'm thinking of Sara and the whole Horner family. Yesterday in the teachers lounge at Lake Youngs I looked at Gretchen Henry and said, "Oh, my! Today is the anniversary. How long has it been since we lost little Sara?" We just looked at each other as our hearts filled with memories. Then we wondered how Anna is doing in 8th grade and continued to wonder when we would be seeing Quinn enrolled in kindergarten here. Sending loving thoughts and prayers to all of you.
February 5, 2015
Dearest Sara,
We miss you so much and you are forever in our hearts and thoughts.
Love Always,
Your Godparents
July 25, 2014
Dear Sara,
Remembering you on your Baptism Birthday - we love you!
Your Godparents
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