Sarah Allen Ferris

SARAH was born in Corpus Christi, Texas to Frank C Allen Jr. and Betty Taylor Allen on May 20, 1930. She graduated from Corpus Christi High School in 1947. She attended Stephens College in Columbia, MO and went on to earn a degree in Education from the University of Texas in Austin in 1952 where she served as president of Pi Beta Phi. She began teaching elementary school a year later and married the love of her life, John A. Ferris Jr, M.D. Together they brought 10 beautiful children into this world who have given them 38 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. As a devoted wife and mother, Sarah dedicated her life to making others happy. She filled our lives with encouragement and love as we journeyed through childhood and beyond, creating beautiful and lasting memories that we, her family, will always cherish.

In her true and tireless spirit of giving, Sarah spent time doing good for so many people and organizations. She was a longtime volunteer at St. Anthony’s Catholic School as a librarian amongst countless other activities. She also volunteered at Valley Baptist Hospital working in the gift shop. Sarah played instrumental roles in the Junior League of Harlingen, 12:30 Club, PEO, Pi Beta Phi Alumni Club, Algodon, Altar Society, Bible Study Fellowship, Christian Women’s Club, and the Women’s Medical Auxiliary. Sarah also dedicated several years together with her husband, John, running a gift fruit shipping business known as Ferris Valley Groves.

Her family has been very blessed to call Sarah our loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, daughter, aunt and friend. She was absolutely a valiant woman! Her grace, beauty, strength and faith left an imprint upon all those who knew her. She was a selfless and generous soul.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Betty Allen and her brother, Frank C. Allen Jr.

SARAH is survived by her husband of 62 years, John, her 10 children: Kaki (Rick) Cole of New Braunfels, John III of McAllen, Chris of Southlake, Tita (Bill) Adams of Harlingen, Paul (Stacey) of Ellensburg, WA, Beth (Kevin) Quinn of Greenwood Village, CO, Frank (Becky) of Harlingen, Sarita (Curtis) Koop of Sugar Land, Jeanne (Charles) Schley of Highlands Ranch, CO and David (Glenda) of Lewis Center, OH, 38 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Heavenly Grace in La Feria, TX on Monday, May 16, 2016 from 5-7pm followed by a Rosary Service from 7-8pm.

The funeral service will be held at St. Anthony Catholic Church on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at 10am, celebrated by Reverend Amador Garza

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Rio Grande Valley Medical Missions at www.rgvmm.com. RGVMM reaches out to our local community with Christ-centered performing arts projects and performances.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Anita Diaz, Lupita Gonzalez, Ana Espinoza, Dr. Bruce Leibert, and CIMA Hospice for the care, concern, ministry, and love shown for our beloved Sarah. We would also like to thank all of our dear friends who have been here for our family with unending love and support. We treasure your friendship.

“Who shall find a valiant woman? Far and from the uttermost coasts is the price of her.” Proverbs 31:10