Sarah R. Hanson left this world suddenly on the morning of May 19, 2022. She was born July 1, 1952 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to Dr. Eric & Mrs. Sarah (Haughton) Rodgers (both highly esteemed professors at the University of Alabama). Sarah was their fourth child after daughters Linda and Anne and son Joey. She spent her childhood riding horses to the back of the pasture and finding a good shade tree under which to read a book. Sarah knew exactly where the proverbial line was to avoid getting the switch, but boy did she push the envelope! She was raised to prioritize faith and family and was an active member in MYF. Once she graduated from Tuscaloosa County High, she earned her degree from the University of Alabama while also enjoying countless hours on the lake, swimming and waterskiing (though she told her parents she was studying). She recreated these memories many times over the years with her 3 children, Christy, Eric and Thomas, as well as numerous friends, whom she took to Lake Tuscaloosa every summer. It was here the kids learned to swim, ski and cook, but, most of all, they got to know their mother's deep wit, love of family, prankster sense of humor and ability to create great memories. Sarah never knew a stranger and she made everyone feel special. Some thought it was a "southern thing," but learned pretty quickly that it was just a "Sarah" thing.

After completing her degree, Sarah relocated to Houston and went to work for the Hyatt Regency Hotel as their Banquet Manager. It was here that her life was forever changed when a new corporate trainee asked her to play tennis one afternoon. Ron was truly the love of her life, as she was his. In their long, storied life together, Ron and Sarah created a successful business and raised 3 wonderful children. They regularly played golf with their friends at Willow Creek and travelled the world with many of them as well. Sarah's friends and family can regale you with stories of all the fun times, outlandish tales, great meals, and, of course, her generosity. Sarah was the hostess with the mostess – always willing to throw a party or cook for others and she could do both quite well. She was always willing to share recipes, but if you made changes and it didn't turn out as good, she'd quickly tell you it was because you didn't make "her recipe." Sarah didn't know fun, she created it!

While she certainly liked to have a good time, her servant heart also manifested in over 30 years with Klein United Methodist Church's handbell choir. In addition, she also served on several mission trips to Mexico, Florida, and Texas over the years. Sarah also served in every role on the Willow Creek LGA board at least once (and offered her "support" even when not in a formal role).

There was never a moment that you didn't know Sarah was a Southern girl.  She loved her grits and sausage in the mornings, called each of her children daily no matter their age, appreciated proper thank you notes, craved Milo's sweet tea, never knocked on a backdoor before entering and always offered you "something to drink" when you came in the door.

She adored her kids and grandkids, so long as they were behaving. Among her many joys she also loved cooking (with bacon grease, of course!), Alabama football (ROLL TIDE!), tomato sandwiches on white bread, leopard print house shoes, golfing, homemade pimento cheese, card games, completing crosswords while listening to Andrea Bocelli as Ron read the morning paper, Frankie Valli songs, Archibald's BBQ, a good joke, Houston Astros, a cold Tecate while noodling on the lake, friendships, Lake Tuscaloosa and bourbon.  Lord knows she knew how to have fun and taught a lot of us what that looks like. But, of course, she also had her dislikes, as evidenced by her eye roll.  Poor grammar, Miracle Whip, slow golf, snakes, bras, idiots and masks topped the list.

Preceded in death only 16 months earlier was her husband, Ron.  Now their love of family will be carried on by their children left behind: Christy Theis and husband Joseph, Eric Hanson and wife Jessica, Thomas Hanson and girlfriend Lindsey, as well as her five grandchildren Jack, Olivia, Carter, Ella and Carly.  Also missing her larger-than-life personality will be her numerous friends of Willow Creek, girlfriends of The Hoalition, many nieces, nephews, cousins and brother and, well, pretty much anyone else who'd ever met her. To know her was to love her!

Services for Sarah will be Thursday, June 2, at Faithbridge Church, 18000 Stuebner Airline, Spring, TX 77379. Viewing will be at 2:00pm and the service will begin at 3:00pm. The service will be available via livestream at faithbridge.org/memorial

A Celebration of Life reception will follow at Augusta Pines, 18 Augusta Pines Drive, Spring, TX  77389. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Camp Hope ( ptsdusa.org/camp-hope/ ).