Sara Elizabeth Stoppels

Sara Webb Stoppels

Sara Elizabeth Webb Stoppels passed away on May 25, 2023, in Silverdale, WA, at the age of 95. She was born on July 31, 1927, in Blue Springs, MO. A graduate of the University of Kansas with a degree in piano performance, Sara was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority. In addition to being a fine pianist, Sara was also blessed with a beautiful soprano voice. In the summer of 1944, during high school, she went to New York City to study voice at The Juilliard School. While in New York, she met A. Dale Stoppels at a dance at the Riverside Church. Dale was attending midshipman’s school before heading out to the Pacific for service in WWII. In 1948, she and Dale reconnected and they were married in 1950. For many years a resident of Grand Rapids, MI, Sara was a member of Central Reformed Church and active in the St Cecilia Music Society. She and Dale relocated to Seattle in 1993 to be closer to their grandchildren. In Seattle, they became active members of the University Congregational United Church of Christ. Sara also continued her musical interests as a performing member of the Ladies Musical Club of Seattle.

We will remember Sara for her vivacity, beauty, and kindness to all she met. Her love of life and indomitable spirit carried through to her last day of life. She loved travel, good food, opera, clothes, telling ghost stories, being the best chaperone on trips, reading, writing letters, and being there for those who were alone or just lonely. At Christmastime, we all remember Mom’s dinners and parties, her playing Christmas carols on the piano with all the family gathered round, and especially her singing duets with Dad, who also had a beautiful baritone voice. As a grandmother to Nicholas and Sarah, she loved playing “hide the thimble,” and building play tents. Even as she spent her last years confined to her chair and unable to use her hands, her mind was sharp and her spirit was strong. On her last day, she said to her daughters, “Love is all that matters.”

Sara was preceded in death by her parents Bedford and Bertha Webb; her husband Dale; her brother Guy B Webb; and her son John W. Stoppels. She is survived by her two daughters Jillon Dupree (Andy) and Beth Girko (Steve); as well as her grandchildren, Sarah and Nicholas Dupree.

A private memorial service will be held in Blue Springs, Missouri, at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Cecilia Music Center of Grand Rapids, MI, or the Ladies Musical Club of Seattle, WA.

Arrangements are entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island.