unknown out-of-town obit

Mar 16, 1918 - Apr 30, 2011

Sara Louise Conine, age 93, passed away at 4:15 a.m. April 29, 2011 at her residence in Holland.

She was born on March 6, 1918 in Union City, Ohio to David G. and Effie (Kintner) Berkebile and graduated from Bradford High School as valedictorian. On July 19, 1952, she married Herman Conine, who preceded her in death August 22, 2010. As a graduate of Manchester College, N. Manchester, IN, she taught first grade for 28 years in Ohio and Indiana and helped rear several teachers in the family. She was a lifelong learner and enjoyed this with many friends and family. During her adult life, Sara, was a devout member of the Church of the Brethren, enjoying worship in N. Manchester, IN, Troy, OH and Freeport, MI. She was a longtime choral music conductor and also taught Bible school in those churches. Along with her husband, Herman, she traveled to Haiti on three occasions for mission work and both passionately supported Habitat for Humanity and the Brethren Heifer Project. During their final years, they attended Christ Memorial Reformed Church in Holland and resided at Freedom Village. Sara loved traveling and camping with Herman and family. A lover of classical music, she played the bassoon and was an avid gardener, a beautiful quilter and a devoted wife and mother.

Survivors include six children, David (Judy) Conine of Vonore, TN, Bev (Gary) Welch of Sunfield, Eldon (Pat) Cassell of Hastings, DeAnne (Chuck) Lightner of Lynchburg, OH, Larry (Barb) Cassell of Columbus, OH, Pam (Don) McClure of Lima, OH; 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Of her own family she is survived by her sister, Lois (Berkebile) Roop in N. Manchester, IN.

One grandson preceded her in death.

A celebration of Sara’s life is planned for Saturday, June 11, 2011 at 2 p.m. in the auditorium on the sixth floor of Freedom Village, 145 Columbia, Ave., Holland.

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