Sara Jo Fendley died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Leslie, Arkansas on Tuesday, November 16, 2021. She was born in Leslie, Arkansas on September 14, 1941 to John Franklin Fendley and Inez Hensley Fendley.

She was a strong Christian lady who put God before everything. She was a member of the Leslie United Methodist Church where she played the piano. She loved playing gospel music but also enjoyed playing and participating in folk music. She led by example and was someone to look to for guidance and Godly advice.

In her younger days, she won many beauty contests including but not limited to; Miss National Strawberry in Glenwood Springs, Colorado in 1958 and Miss Liberty, Tournament of Roses in 1964. She served on many boards and commissions, too numerous to mention them all, both at the county, state and federal level.

She was an icon to the Republican Party. She was a pioneer for the modern Republican Party with roots as far back as the Winthrop Rockefeller for Governor Campaign. Republican Party chairman, Doyle Webb said “anytime you mentioned Governor Rockefeller, the name Sara Jo Fendley always comes up.” She supported hundreds of Republicans all the way from the schoolhouse to the Whitehouse.

She had a Master’s Degree in Counseling. She worked for many years at NorthArk where she helped many, many students better their lives and go on to become successful adults.

She had no biological children but she had hundreds of kids who claimed her as their own. She always helped and encouraged each one to be their very best. Many are now working in professional fields, politicians and some went on to work in the agricultural field, a field very close to Sara’s heart.

She was a boss lady in the male dominated cattle industry. She has mentored many young men to become great farmers and is loved and respected by many.

Her love for cattle made her a very successful rancher. She knew each one of her animals by number and their genetic history for several generations.

Her strong influence, whether professionally, politically or through her deep friendships will live on in the hearts and lives of all she came in contact with. Survivors include a very special friend and companion, Joel Ratchford and his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many cousins, extended family and dear friends who will deeply mourn her passing.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Inez Fendley.

Graveside services for her was 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 19, 2021 at East Lawn Cemetery in Marshall, Arkansas with Bro. Glen Pettus and Bro. Jim Arnold officiating. Special music was performed by Bro. Jim and Sis. Diane Arnold. Burial followed where she was laid to rest beside her mother, Inez Fendley. Honorary pallbearers were Albert Dickson, Zane Green, Jerry Passmore, Jim Arnold, Jerry Cash, Fred Fendley, Fendley Ragland, Jim Adams, William Ashley, Joel Ratchford, Travis Woodell and Mike Moore.