| Sarah E. Hotchkiss, 79, of Spencer, West Virginia, formerly of Beech Community, passed away peacefully Thursday February 19, 2015 with loved ones at her side. She was born on June 28, 1935 in Rochester, New York.
She was an artist, teacher, and community gardener. She specialized in original fiber art pieces which she created using a variety of techniques including embroidery and hand sewing.
She also shared her artistic talents with local school for the arts Heartwood in the Hills by painting backdrops which were used in Heartwood performances.
She taught classes at Arnoldsburg Elementary School for children and adults in art and embroidery and gave private art lessons to area children as well. She collaborated on a multi-disciplinary summer program for children at Arnoldsburg Elementary School based on Mozart's The Magic Flute.
She founded the West Fork Garden Club and conceived and oversaw a beautification project to plant 10,000 daffodil bulbs at the Lower West Fork Park in Arnoldsburg, WV.
More recently, she devoted many hours to planting and maintaining the flower beds outside the apartment building where she lived the last three years of her life.
She delighted in sharing poetry, good food, and laughter with her family and friends. Up until her passing, she was active in the Spencer Meditation Group, Heartwood in the Hills, and the West Fork Garden Club.
She earned a degree from American University in Washington D.C. and served three years in the Armed Forces. She was stationed in Germany during part of her enlistment.
She was preceded in death by her husband Theodore Hotchkiss and parents Clinton and Kathryn (Tufts) Hendrickson.
She is survived by two brothers, Steve Hendrickson of The Villages, Florida, and Sam Hendrickson of Southington, Connecticut; three sons, Dana Sorenson of Riverview, Michigan, Clinton Park of Florence, Texas, and Christopher Park of Austin, Texas; one stepson, Jeffrey Hotchkiss of Portland, Maine; four stepdaughters, Patricia Bakir of Amman, Jordan, Sarah Hotchkiss of Winooski, Vermont, Kate Taylor of North Haven, Maine, Melissa Hotchkiss of New York, New York; eighteen grandchildren; one great-grandchild, and nieces and nephews.
She was laid to rest on February 20, 2015 next to her beloved husband Ted on the land where they resided for more than 30 years in Minnora, West Virginia.
Her family would like to thank Mrs. Lynnita Gregory, Dr. Mark Myers, the staff at Roane Hospital, CAMC General and the many loving friends who offered help and support to Sarah through her final days and with her burial.
A memorial service celebrating Sarah's life is planned for some time in the spring. An announcement will be made as to the exact date, time and location.
In addition, the West Fork Garden Club will plant daffodils in her honor in the fall. Donations towards the purchase of daffodil bulbs may be sent to Mary Labaw at 592 Grannyshe Rd. Chloe, WV 25235.
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