Sara Lenore Ham's Obituary
Sara Ham, born Sara Lenore McKibbin on July 3, 1938, peacefully passed away Thursday, August 10, 2023, surrounded by her children.
Sara was born in New Castle, Indiana, the daughter of Dorothy Doris Driscoll and Carl Eugene McKibbin. She lived on a small farm where the family boarded a calf named Ferdinand. Sara's fondness for Ferdinand led to her love of her favorite children's story, Ferdinand the Bull, which she would later read to her grandchildren. Sara eventually moved to a home on Iddings Street in Kendallville, Indiana, where she lived with her younger brother, Michael McKibbin, and a dog named Cinderella. According to her brother, in a time when opportunities for girls and young women to participate in sports were few and far between, Sara's obvious superior skills caused her to be picked for teams well before many of the neighborhood boys, much to their chagrin. Graduating in the top 10 of her class from Kendallville High School, Sara was active in leadership as a class officer, played volleyball and basketball, and participated in many plays and skits.
After graduating from high school, Sara attended Purdue University. One of her father's favorite stories about this decision was related to the long line of Purdue graduates from Sara's mother's side (Driscoll) and the fact that her father was the first to attend college from his family (McKibbin). When it was time for Sara to decide where to attend college, her father told her she could attend any college, but if she wanted him to pay for it, she had to go to Purdue! Shortly after she arrived at Purdue, Sara chose Speech Therapy as her major. She was also a member of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority, where she served as an officer. In 1960, Sara graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Therapy and a minor in Theater.
Sara began her professional career as a speech therapist in South Bend, Indiana. She also met Ronald A. Ham during that time on a blind date. Sara eventually married Ron on June 1, 1963. After marriage, Sara moved to Kendallville where Ron was working, and she created the first speech therapy program at East Noble School Corporation. Later, Sara and Ron moved to W. Lafayette, Indiana, to pursue advanced degrees. A job offer for Ron from Ferris State College in Big Rapids brought Sara to Michigan, where she worked as a speech therapist for the Reed City Hospital, the Mecosta Osceola Intermediate School District, and the Newaygo County Intermediate School Department. Sara also obtained a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from Central Michigan University.
Sara and Ron brought up four children, Eron (Ham) Drake, Leah Ham, Carrie (Ham) Inglis, and Jason Ham, on an 80-acre hobby farm in Paris, Michigan, where they raised chickens, geese, dogs, rabbits, and a nanny goat. In 1980, the family moved into the city of Big Rapids. When asked what advice she gave her children growing up, Sara said, "To stand up for yourself, be kind, and be independent." While Sara said all of her children were her favorites, she was quick to name her favorite sons-in-law, especially if they complimented her infamous Bing Cherry Coke Salad, made her laugh, or were handy with tools.
Over the past several years, Sara could often be found helping organize holiday meals or family camping activities. She was also tireless in supporting and encouraging her nine grandchildren at various events such as band concerts, soccer matches, track meets, cross country meets, baseball games, hockey games, theater performances, and academic events and ceremonies.
When Sara wasn't visiting her children or grandchildren, she actively volunteered and served the Big Rapids community, including various roles at Manna Pantry, Stage M, Recycle Center of Mecosta County, the Red Cross, and assisting with local elections. While humble in nature, Sara was often recognized over the years for her volunteer contributions in newspaper articles or by various awards. Never one to sit still, Sara enjoyed many hobbies and activities including traveling, reading, collecting children's books, knitting, needlepoint, gardening, line dancing, tap dancing, meeting her lunch bunch, water aerobics, and taking soup or snacks to neighbors and friends.
Sara is survived by her children, Eron Drake (Doug), grandchildren Eli and Taya; Leah Ham (Jeff), grandchildren Zach and Kyle; Carrie Inglis (Cody), grandchildren Reid, Nolan, and Ty; Jason Ham and grandchildren Grieta and Teodors; her brother Michael McKibbin (Celeste Roseberry) and nephew Mark; and her cousin Monty Peffley (Mara). She is preceded in death by her husband Ron.
Sara's life and remembrance will be celebrated on Saturday, August 26, at 11 a.m. at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Sara's family will greet friends and family at 10 a.m. Saturday, at the funeral home. Friends are invited to share any special remembrances of Sara during the celebration. The family requests those who wish to express sympathy consider donating in Sara's name to one of her favorite charities, such as Manna Pantry, Stage M, or the Recycle Center of Mecosta County. After a private family celebration, Sara will be buried at a later date at the Highland View Cemetery. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Sara?
What’s a lesson you learned from Sara?
Share a story where Sara's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Sara you’ll never forget.
How did Sara make you smile?