Sarah Hobbs

Sarah Hobbs went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, February 17, 2025 at Mercy Hospital, Merced, CA. She was 87 years old. Sarah was born to Harvey and Bessie Whitten in rural Arkansas, the oldest of two daughters. The family moved to Southern California during WW2 and eventually landed in Bakersfield, CA where Sarah graduated from Bakersfield High School. She worked part-time while earning her Associate of Arts degree from Bakersfield JC. She then found employment with Bakersfield Unified School District in the Publicity department which she enjoyed tremendously.

In 1960 Sarah met the love of her life, Bob Hobbs, and they were married in November of that year. In 1962 Bob and Sarah welcomed their daughter, Nancy, and in 1965 they welcomed their son, David. In 1967, Bob's work transferred him from Bakersfield to Merced, CA. The family soon began to have new friends and enjoyed living in Merced. Both Bob and Sarah became active members of First Baptist Church shortly after moving and each served in many different roles throughout their lifetime. Early on, Sarah was the Sunday School Superintendent, but she eventually found her calling as a deaconess and as the prayer chain coordinator where she served many years. She always found the time to connect with others in meaningful ways.

Bob and Sarah also enjoyed travel -- many trips were due to company sales awards earned by Bob -- to various places such as Bermuda, Canada, China, British Hong Kong, Cozumel, New Zealand, Australia, and much of western Europe.

Sarah is preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Bob. She is survived by her sister, Sherry Whitten; her daughter, Nancy (Aaron) Johnson); her son, David (Kristine); her grandchildren, Kelly Hobbs, Kate (Humberto Bejarano); and Travis Johnson (Danielle). A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Summit Church, 500 Buena Vista Drive, Merced, CA.