Obituary of Sara Ann Elmer

Sara Ann (Swango) Elmer, 76, wife of Bernard Elmer, passed away on January 22, 2024, in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. Sara was born in Lexington, Kentucky on March 11, 1947, to the late Harry and Sarah Maloney Swango, and grew up in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky. She and Bernard celebrated 50 happy years of marriage in 2023.

Sara graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Home Economics.  She met Bernard in Carlisle, where she was employed as the Nicholas County 4-H Extension Agent.  They moved to their house in Frankfort in 1976, where she was an active member of a neighborhood Homemakers Club.  She worked at The Spinning Wheel, a sewing shop, and later managed The Little Professor bookstore.  She then became a teacher's aide at Hearn Elementary School, where she remained until her retirement.

Her jobs mirrored her hobbies and loves in life:  reading, sewing, cross stitching, and teaching others.  She also spent her time completing jigsaw puzzles and word searches.  Sara enjoyed camping and traveling until long-term health problems kept her close to home.  However, through it all she kept her positive attitude and refused to complain, inspiring others with her strength and resolve.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Heritage Hall in Lawrenceburg, as well as Bluegrass Care Navigators, for their help and support during her stay there.

In addition to her husband Bernard, she is survived by her son, Brian (Kate) Elmer, of Franklin, Indiana. She was preceded in death by a brother Winston (Loris) Swango of Mt. Sterling, Kentucky. 

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 29, 2024 at Clark Legacy Center, Versailles Road, between noon and 2 pm. Graveside services will immediately follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.  Expressions of sympathy may be made in her name donated to the Paul Sawyier Public Library.