Sarah Lou Bouse

Sarah Lou Bouse, 94, of Glen Carbon, Illinois, passed away on August 31, 2026. Born October 20, 1931, Sarah’s life was marked by steady devotion to family, faith, and the everyday work that builds a home and a community. She will be remembered as a cherished presence—thoughtful in her care for others, generous with her time, and quietly steadfast in the ways that mattered most.

From an early age, Sarah carried a spirited independence. She was proud to have been in the first-ever driver’s education class at Collinsville High School, a distinction she never let her sister forget—often offering corrections and critiques behind the wheel with a wry sense of humor. She also loved being outdoors, happiest spending time with her dad and finding any excuse to avoid doing the dishes.

Sarah’s life reflected the dignity of hard work. As a hardworking farmer’s wife, she worked the land during the day to help prepare for her husband’s work in the evening—an enduring partnership built on shared effort and commitment. She also served her community by driving a school bus for a time and later taking on the responsibility of driving the van for a preschool and daycare, bringing patience and compassion to the families who relied on her. Some of the kids she drove, would see her later in life in the community and come up to greet her.

In marriage and family life, Sarah brought warmth and joy, especially wherever there was music. When she grew tired of simply sitting at fun events, they took dance classes. She loved to go dancing with her husband. Although they loved the German Waltz, Polka dancing was their favorite. For their 25th wedding anniversary, they even had a Polka band ‘Trio Freddie’ play - turning the occasion into a lively celebration that reflected their shared delight in life.

Sarah was also famous for a family tradition all her own: her “Green Goop,” requested year after year at holidays and gatherings, and remembered as much for the love behind it as for the dish itself.

Sarah’s interests were many, and she pursued them with the same practical creativity she brought to everything else. She enjoyed bowling, crocheting, gardening, canning, and camping adventures that grew from a trailer to a large motor home and boat for fishing. She loved going fishing with her husband, and family stories often returned to the familiar outcome: when Sarah went along, she always caught many more than him. He would often say she had “More Luck than Sense,” a line that captured both her good fortune and the easy laughter she brought to ordinary days.

She loved playing games like Canasta, Pinochle, and Dominos with her sisters. At Meridian Village she enjoyed playing Rummikrub with her many friends there. After a winter trip to Texas with her sisters and brother-in-law, Sarah brought her girls their own sets of Dominos to play and enjoy; a simple gift that carried her thoughtfulness and her desire to keep the family close through shared traditions.

Many family celebrations included a beautiful cake made by Sarah. For a time, she had a very busy decorated cake business making everything from her signature bikini cakes to multi-tiered wedding cakes. Both of her daughters’ wedding cakes and the cake for their 25th wedding anniversary were made by her loving and talented hands.

Faith was a guiding strength throughout Sarah’s life. She was very involved in her church community and was an active member in the Ladies Guild and Circle 10, giving her time and energy with a faithful spirit and a sincere concern for others.

In the simple, unmistakable way she had of closing a thought—and perhaps of summing up a life lived with purpose, love, and enduring grace—Sarah’s final message: “And That.”