Sarilda Blake

1933 - 2025

Sarilda Blake (née Jackson), 92, of Chesterfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully on October 11, surrounded by family.

Born in 1933 in Galatia, Illinois, she was the daughter of Amon Lee Jackson and Mary Smith Jackson, sister to the late Amon Lee Jackson, Jr. of Anna, Illinois and Bill Jackson of Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Sarilda was a proud graduate of Anna Jonesboro High School. She began her career in the banking industry, later serving as Executive Assistant to the President of Carling Brewing Company. She was instrumental in the success of the family home improvement business, which spanned multiple states across the Midwest.

Beyond her professional career, Sarilda gave generously of her time and talents to the Women's Auxiliary at Saint Luke's Hospital, where she especially enjoyed curating, buying, and merchandising for the hospital gift shop.

A woman of adventure, Sarilda loved to travel and embraced opportunities to see the world-exploring much of Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Hawaii. Her fun-loving spirit, independence, and zest for life inspired all who knew her. She treasured time with her friends and family and served as a role model for her children and grandchildren, showing them how to live life fully.

Sarilda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack Blake, and her former husband, Bob Miles. She is survived by her son Michael Miles and his wife Laura Britton of Shaker Heights, Ohio, and her daughter Suzie Manser and her husband Dave Manser of Wildwood, Missouri. She was a loving grandmother to Austen Manser, Morgan Manser, and Michelle Manser, and great-grandmother (GiGi) to Cadence Edwards.

Her life was a beautiful example of strength, curiosity, and joy, and she will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the United Methodist Church of Green Trails or the Friends of St. Luke's and St. Luke's Society of St. Luke's Hospital in Chesterfield, Missouri.