Sarah Ann Souder

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Sarah Ann Souder, a daughter, sister, niece, cousin, friend, leader, and a shining light in the lives of so many, who left us at the age of 39, after a courageous fight against ovarian cancer. In her years, Sarah filled the world with more love, kindness, and dedication than many could in a lifetime.

From a young age, Sarah had a heart for people and community. Her journey began with Girl Scouts, where she participated from Daisy Scouts through Senior Scouts, earning her Silver Award and becoming a lifelong Girl Scout. She carried that same spirit of service and determination into everything she did, especially in nurturing friendships and building connections.

Sarah never let life’s challenges stop her from living fully, joyfully, purposefully and positively. She participated in the Challenger League from age 6 to 16, volunteered in the Disability Ministry and elementary Sunday School classrooms at Crossroads Church in Corona, and attended Camp Paivika in Crestline every summer, as well as a winter ski camp, from 2011 through 2024. Always creative in connecting with others, she hosted her own “Sarah’s Social Camp” on Zoom, spreading joy and friendship far and wide.

Her leadership and advocacy left a lasting mark. As President of the Client Advisory Committee of the Inland Regional Center since 2023, Sarah worked tirelessly to represent and advocate for others, rarely missing a meeting and pouring her heart into her role. She led with courage, dedication, and a deep sense of responsibility, always staying true to her promise to advocate for herself and others.

Sarah had a rare gift for seeing the good in people and making everyone feel included and valued. She collected friends like treasures, cherishing each one, and her warmth and enthusiasm left a lasting impact wherever she went. She loved unconditionally.

At home, Sarah brought laughter, love, and light into every day. Her positivity, attention to detail and ability to remember things made all of us want to be more like her. Her presence was a gift to her family, and her love was felt in every smile, hug, and kind word.

Though Sarah’s time with us was far too short, her legacy will continue to ripple through the lives she touched. She showed us what it means to live with purpose, give without expecting in return, and approach life with joy and resilience.

Sarah will be deeply missed — her laughter, kindness, leadership, and light. We take comfort knowing that her impact lives on in the communities she loved, the friends she cherished, and the countless lives she made brighter.

Sarah’s light will be continued on through her beloved family: Parents: John Francis and Robyn Ann Souder, her sister Tara Ann Souder, her brother Joshua John Souder, and her grandmother Jean Elizabeth Herder, her Aunt Vickie Lynn Lieuallen (CA), her Great Uncle Robert Ainsworth (NJ), her Uncle John Francis Foster (TX), her Aunt Jeanette Marie Nance (OK), her Uncle David Mathew Miller (Laos), her Aunt Rebecca Lynn Moore (TX), her Aunt Deborah Marie Miller-Hall (TX), and many many cousins.