Sarah Jane Esch

Sarah Jane Esch (Stokes), 82, formerly of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2026, at her home in Conway, Arkansas, surrounded by loved ones after a courageous two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born on April 11, 1944, Holly Grove, Arkansas, Sarah lived a life defined by faith, service, kindness, creativity, and unwavering devotion to her family. She was a cherished wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend whose warmth and compassion touched all who knew her.

Sarah attended Arkansas Tech University before transferring to the University of Central Arkansas during her junior year. It was there that she met the love of her life, William “Bill” Lee Esch. What began with a first date quickly became a lifelong love story. It was love at first sight, and Sarah and Bill were married on October 31, 1969. Together, they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, friendship, and enduring love. Some of their favorite date nights were spent watching KU basketball or Royals baseball, as Sarah was an avid sports fan, a love that stemmed from her own youth basketball years.

Sarah began her career as a teacher, a profession that reflected her caring nature and passion for helping others learn and grow. Later, as her sons Richard and Bradley grew older, she devoted herself fully to her family as a stay-at-home mother. She was actively involved in her boys’ education and athletic pursuits, rarely missing a game, school event, or milestone. Her encouragement, support, and presence were constant sources of strength throughout their lives.

A woman of deep faith, Sarah was a dedicated member of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. She was passionate about serving others and devoted countless hours to volunteer work through Habitat for Humanity. Her commitment to helping those in need reflected the generous spirit that defined her life.

Sarah also had a remarkable gift for creating beauty wherever she went. She was known among family and friends for her impeccable eye for interior design and her ability to transform a house. Guests often marveled at her unique blend of classic style and carefully curated treasures, frequently asking where she had found such beautiful pieces. Sarah delighted in uncovering hidden gems at TJ Maxx, Goodwill, and St Joseph Catholic Flea Market, always seeing potential where others might not.

Sarah was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Lois Stokes, sister Patricia McCastlain, brother Donald Stokes, and son Bradley Esch.

She is survived by her loving husband of almost 57 years, William “Bill” Lee Esch; her son, Richard Esch of Fayetteville, Arkansas; her sister, Judy Brady and husband, Jim, of Maumelle, Arkansas; her brother, Boyce Stokes and wife, Ellen, of Orange, Texas; her granddaughter, Caroline Baker and husband, Matt Baker, of Conway, Arkansas; her grandson, Dylan Esch and wife, Sarah Esch, of Centerton, Arkansas; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Esmeralda and Amanda Esch. She also leaves behind many extended family members and dear friends who will miss her greatly.

Sarah will be remembered for her generous heart, steadfast faith, and creative spirit. Whether serving her church, volunteering in her community, spending quality time with her family, or creating beautiful spaces for those she loved, she lived a life centered on caring for others.

Though her passing leaves a profound void, her love, wisdom, and example will remain in the hearts of all who knew her. Her legacy lives on through the family she cherished, the lives she touched through service, and the countless memories she created with those closest to her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Habitat for Humanity https://www.habitat.org/ or The Salvation Army https://www.salvationarmy.org/, two charities Sarah faithfully supported for many years.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Sarah’s life at First United Methodist Church in Conway, Arkansas. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. A reception will immediately follow.

For the Celebration of Life, we invite guests to wear business casual attire. Sarah was never a fan of the traditional black, so we encourage you to wear color as we celebrate her life. If you’d like to honor her in a special way, her favorite color was yellow.