Sarah Ann Spitzer

Sarah Ann Spitzer, 93, of Pleasant Plains, died at 9:29 a.m. on Monday, October 5, 2009 at Memorial Medical Center. Sarah was born March 2, 1916 in Springfield, the daughter of J. Garrett and Marie Longworth Tolan. She married Arnold "Tex" Spitzer in Springfield on November 18, 1939. He preceded her in death. Sarah was a hard working farm girl. She spent her entire life living and working on the family farm, J. Garrett Tolan Farms. Sarah was a breeder of Angus Cattle and Welsh ponies. She exhibited cattle all across the country, but she had a passion for Welsh ponies and at one point owned the largest herd in the United States. She was also the secretary of the Midwest Welsh Futurity for twenty-five years. She was also preceded in death by her parents; an infant son, Gary Spitzer; and brother, John Tolan. She is survived by her son, Gregg Spitzer of Pleasant Plains; daughter, Karen (husband, Tom) Impson of Pleasant Plains; nieces and nephews, John T. (wife, Robin) Tolan of Glenwood Springs, CO, Jess (wife, Dona) Tolan of Denver, CO, T. Troy (wife, Mary) Tolan of Pleasant Plains, Jan (husband, Ed) Gvazdinskas of Springfield and Rina (husband, Rick) Daniel of Freeburg, IL; and sister-in-law, Mary Tolan of Springfield. Private family graveside ceremonies will be held at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Welsh Pony and Cob Society of America, Inc., 720 Green St., Stephens City, VA 22655.