Sarah Castilleja

Sarah Castilleja, age 82 of Kansas City, MO, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 1, 2015. Her spirit departed a worn body to exchange it for the heavenly body her Saviour promised. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2015 at McGilley Midtown Chapel, 20 West Linwood, Kansas City, MO, followed by burial in Maple Hill Cemetery. Friends may call from 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturday at the chapel.

Sarah was born on April 7, 1933 to Tomas and Otilia Farjardo in Chanute, Kansas. She was a proud graduate of Chanute High School and also attended Penn Valley Community College in her later years. She married Benjamin Castilleja of Kansas City, MO in 1954. Throughout most of her adult life, Sarah was a faithful servant at First Baptist Westside Church. She volunteered countless hours there as a Sunday school teacher, nursery assistant and member of the choir. Sarah worked part-time at the Kansas City Police Department Westside neighbourhood centre, the Jones Store Company and teacher’s aide at Douglas Elementary School on the Westside where she loved countless children as if they were her own.

Her memory will be forever alive in her survivors. They are her children, Rebecca Cantu (Hector) of San Angelo, TX, Mark (Alexis) of Kansas City, MO and John (Mimi) of Rockport, TX; her sisters, Ruth Florez of Humboldt, KS and Josie Ramirez (Roque); brothers, Tom Fajardo (Sally), Sam Fajardo (Leny), Ben Fajardo (Deloris) and David Fajardo (Celia), all of California; several nieces and nephews; her seven grandchildren, Adam, Matt, Lucas, Nicolas, Benjamin (Karly), Angelica and Natalie; great- grandson, Dorian; all of whom were a great source of pride and joy.

Sarah enjoyed trips to Branson, MO and San Angelo, TX with her husband, Ben, and traveling with Mary and Isidro Salas. She was an avid Royals fan and enthusiastically enjoyed their recent success. Sarah will be remembered for her gentle spirit, beautiful smile and love that she freely shared with those around her. She was an extraordinary mother, mother in-law, and grandmother. She was loved by all who knew her and will be missed by many. Her life reflected her Christian beliefs and the Lord’s reward is now hers.

Preceding Sarah in death were her parents; sisters, Mary, Rebecca, Elisa and Connie; brother, Juan; and her husband of 49 years, Ben. The family wishes to thank the Saint Luke’s Hospice staff. Until we meet again, Sarah, thank you for your devotion and example. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Westside Church.