Sara Graue

She was born July 15, 1940, in Hannibal, Missouri, the daughter of William L. and Maxine Pevehouse Purpus.

Sara graduated from Feitshans High School and still enjoyed friendships with many of her classmates. She held a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Sangamon State University and a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Illinois at Springfield.

She retired as a Fiscal Officer from City Water, Light, and Power in 2002 after 23 years of service.

Sara was a regular volunteer at Memorial Medical Center and also volunteered at the Illinois State Museum, the Illinois State Fair, and the LPGA State Farm Classic. She was a member of Friends of Memorial Medical Center, Friends of the Chatham Area Public Library, Springfield Ceramics and Crafts Club, Academy of Lifelong Learning, Illinois State Museum Society, and various pet rescue groups.

Sara adored her children and grandchildren and found great pride in them. She enjoyed spending time with them and the rest of her family. Sara also enjoyed gardening, volunteering, getting together with friends, and the love of her dear cats.

She is preceded in death by her sister, Marica Dirksen of Springfield and survived by a daughter, Liz Yancey (husband Scott), of Johns Creek, Georgia; a son, John Graue (wife Debbie) of Ogden Dunes, Indiana; five granddaughters, Sara Hall of Atlanta, Georgia, Norina Hall of Johns Creek, Georgia, Caroline Gresham (husband Will) of Marietta, Georgia, Mary Margaret Yancey of Boston, Massachusetts, and Emily Graue of St. Louis, Missouri; a grandson, Benjamin Graue of St. Louis, Missouri; sister, Barbara J. Sinkus of Rochester; and several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Gathering will be held from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, February 11, 2022, at Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th Street, Springfield.

Burial will be on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Clayton Cemetery in Clayton, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Animal Protective League in her honor: Memorials | APL (apl-shelter.org)