Sara A. (Nish) Stoney, a resident of McCleary, Washington since 1946, passed away Monday, Dec. 5, 2022, at the BeeHive Retirement Center in McCleary surrounded by her family.

Sara was born in Weldon, Iowa on June 5, 1924. Sara grew up on a farm and upon graduation from high school ventured to Des Moines, Iowa to learn secretarial skills. In 1944, on Sara’s 20th birthday, she was sworn into the U.S. Navy. Sara served as a Yeoman and was stationed in Norman, Oklahoma. In Norman, Sara met and married Merle Stoney and upon their discharge in 1946 Merle brought Sara home to McCleary. Sara was a housewife for many years and later worked for Dr. James Arima and then for the Department of Transportation. Sara was a member of Chat and Nibble ( a local ladies group,) McCleary Methodist Church and the McCleary Ladies VFW Auxiliary.

Sara’s after retirement passions were her family, knitting, listening to talking books and most of all walking. Even though macular degeneration had robbed Sara of most of her sight she still was able to navigate known walking routes.

Sara is survived by her children, Mike (Marie) and Suzie; two grandchildren, Mike II (Connie) and Michelle (Jim); four great-grandchildren: Garrett (Erika), Austin (Kendra), McKenzie (Anthony) and Kenna; great-great-grandchild Garrett Michael, one brother, Loren (Letha) Nish and sister-in-law Margie Nish. Sara was preceded in death by her parents Hazel (Howell) and John Hamilton Nish: two siblings, Carol Nish and Jack Nish, and a daughter Sally Jo.

A family/friend gathering will take place sometime next year to share memories of Gramma Sara. The family suggests donations be made to either the McCleary Fire Department or the McCleary Museum.