Sara Malyn Phillips

She is the beloved daughter of William and Carra Rooney (née Meinzer), the adored wife of Jason Herrera, and the loving mother of Lucas Rooney. Sara is a cherished sister to Kelly (Nick) McMackins and Timothy Rooney, and a loving aunt to Jack Rooney, Madison, Elise, and Wesley McMackins.

She is also survived by many dear aunts and uncles: Greg Meinzer, Pamela Meinzer, Rhonda Carter, Joe David (Cheryl) Meinzer, Buck (Jennifer) Meinzer, Karen (Steve) Lestmann, Kathy (John) Bequette, Karol (Jol) King, Jim (Carolyn) Rooney, John (Peggy) Rooney, Mary Ann (Tim) Breuer, and Michael (Cari) Rooney. She was blessed with many friends and countless cousins who brought joy and laughter into her life. She was preceded in death by her loving grandparents, Betty and Buck “Pop and Mur” Meinzer and Jean and James Rooney.

A proud graduate of Northwest High School, Sara maintained close friendships with many of her classmates throughout her life. She had a gift for bringing people together—often the bond that held her circle of friends close. She was a simple, jeans-and-T-shirt kind of girl—down-to-earth, easy to talk to, and always authentic.

Sara had a joyful spirit and a love for life’s simple pleasures—especially cheese fries, her favorite comfort food. Her affection for animals, especially cats, was unmatched. Over the years, she cared for many cats and deeply adored her current kitty, Ger.

Sara's compassion and generosity continues even after her passing. Through organ donation, she saved four lives—her heart now beats on inside a man from Missouri, carrying forward her kind and giving spirit.

Sara will be remembered for her warmth, her loyalty, her laughter, and the deep love she gave to her family and friends. She made the world brighter simply by being in it, and her legacy of love and generosity will live on in all who were lucky enough to know her.

SERVICE: Visitation Saturday, June 7th from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm at Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary, 6464 Chippewa Street at Watson. Service to begin at 3:00 pm. There will be a private inurnment at Resurrection Cemetery.

If desired, donations in Sara’s name may be made to Mid-America Transplant.