On March 4, 1932, Sarah Ellen Wilson Shanks was born in Gray Ridge, Missouri to Dwight (Doby) and Mildred Lowery Wilson and passed away May 17, 2015 at Golden Living Center in Dexter at the age of 83.  Sarah lived most of her life in Gray Ridge and Bell City and attended Gray Ridge School where she graduated in 1948.

Sarah loved her flower garden and always had beautiful flowers.  She also loved to read and work word puzzles.

Sarah was well known for her pecan pies and fruit cakes and if she knew you had a favorite dessert, you were sure to get one made for you.  She was a good neighbor and friend.  She was good to help when her friends and neighbors were sick and made sure they had food.

Sarah attended the First Pentecostal Church of Morehouse for many years and later was attending the First Pentecostal Church in Dexter.  She loved her church family and was faithful to attend.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant brother, Loman V. Wilson.

Sara was married to James (Jim) Shanks on July 12, 1969, who survives of the home in Gray Ridge.  She is also survived by two sons, Phillip Wilson and Jean Ann of Gray Ridge, Missouri and Keith Shanks and his friend Felicia of Benton, Missouri; by one brother C. O. Wilson and Kathy of Tompkinsville, Kentucky; by one sister, Mary Bollinger of Waynesville, Missouri; by five grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; by many nieces, nephews and cousins; and by a childhood friend (sister), Irene Jordan.

Sarah was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend.  She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Friends may call at the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Wednesday, May 20, 2015 from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. 

Funeral services will be conducted in the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Chapel on Thursday, May 21, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Jeff Wells officiating. 

Interment will follow in the Hagy Cemetery.