In Memory of Sara (Earles) Stillwell

Sara René Stillwell, 29, died December 31 in Austin, TX. She was born September 19, 1981 in Overland Park, KS, the daughter of Brent and Jane Earles. Sara graduated from Newman Smith High School, where she was a member of the golf team, in 2000. During this time she met her husband, Eban Stillwell, and they were married December 21, 2003. They lived in Watertown, NY where she attended Jefferson Community College, graduating with honors with recognition as the chemistry student of the year. In 2008 she moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas where she majored in kinesiology and biology. Sara would have graduated this coming Spring, with plans to pursue her Masters degree in kinesology and exercise science.

Since her early childhood, Sara was filled with a deep and abiding love for animals. Her dear friend, Neiko, was rescued from an animal shelter as a tiny puppy. Neiko survives Sara and will now become the friend and companion of Sara's brother, Jared. Sara's love of animals also meant she loved our planet, which includes the wild animals and wild places our family treasures. She cared deeply about global climate change. As an athlete and runner, Sara often would plot her running courses through wildlife areas where she could identify species she had never seen.

She loved her family deeply, and dedicated herself to making time for them. Her friends were the family she chose, and so she had a very large family of friends. Her winsome spirit and unique ability to touch lives opened Sara to a world of cultures. Children loved to follow her, and her smile alone was enough to leave a lasting impression.

Sara is survived by her parents Brent and Jane Earles of Carrollton, TX and her brother Jared Earles of Los Angeles, CA. She is also survived by her husband, Army Staff Sergeant Eban Stillwell of Watertown, NY. She leaves maternal grandparents Lawrence and Lillian Timmons of Bella Vista, AR and paternal grandparents Paul and Joyce Earles of Liberty, MO. She has one surviving great-grandmother, Margaret Earles, of Glasgow, MO. She is also survived by an aunt, Dana Hull, and uncle, Steve Timmons, and five cousins. She also leaves best friend Monica Lily of Dallas, TX and her beloved dog Neiko.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Ted Dickey West Funeral Home in Dallas. The funeral will be held at Spring Creek Community Church on Saturday, January 8. There will be an open visitation from 10am to 11am, with the memorial service beginning at 11:00 am. A reception will follow the service.

The family has established a Wildlife Memorial in Sara's honor and requests a donation in lieu of flowers. Donations can be made to the National Wildlife Federation 11100 Wildlife Center Dr, Reston, VA 20190-5362 (www.nwf.org).