Sarah J Catterton

On the afternoon of July 24th, after our loving God extended an invitation that she could not refuse, Sarah Jane Catterton, 92, passed swiftly and peacefully into His loving arms, unencumbered and with no fear, she was cared for at her home, her final wish, with family by her side.

As she checked off her boxes these past few months, her family, joy, tears, laughter and love were constants by her side.  God, simultaneously and so graciously, was checking off His.  Her family was her greatest and proudest accomplishment and she often said she could not have made it without all of us.  But, we could not have made it without her steadfastness, determination and fortitude.  And, a heart so big it engulfed all who really knew her.  Her love was palpable.

Born on February 8, 1929 in Hannibal, MO to Charles David and Leona Frances (Terry) Ledbetter, Sarah’s early life was filled with many of the era’s difficult times.  As a young adult, she also took time to find her footing and, once she found it, embraced the beautiful life laid out before her.  And, she would tell you, she was extraordinarily blessed and gave thanks for those blessings every day.

She married her soul mate and partner in this life, Floyd E. Catterton, Sr. after a year of dating on March 7, 1953 in Rock Island, IL.  He preceded her in death on September 12, 2012.

Together they embarked on a life that included a mutual passion of working hard to care for, love and support family and friends.  They both shared a remarkable love of babies and children and although they were not missionaries, they were definitely “baby whisperers”.  There are many adults walking this earth who could tell the many stories that our family shares.  And, there are many young children and new babies that will always and forever feel their love as it is woven finely into the tapestry of all of our beings.

When the tuberculosis pandemic took her mother and brother in 1929, at only nine month’s old, she and her sister, Frances, were blessed with a new mother, Katherine Elizabeth (Schuermann) Ledbetter, who embraced and loved them as her own and continued to do so as she and her father expanded their family together.

Survivors include her children, David Terry Anthony, Floyd (Chris Clark) E. Catterton, Jr. (Bud) and, Theresa Jane (Charles) Niemeier; grandchildren Laurie (Larry) Matney, Eric Anthony, Kendra (Kevin) Hackett, and Corey (Danielle Stogsdill) Catterton; 7 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren; her loving sister, Gloria Stiles and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and great greats.  Because of her long life, there are many who she considered her “surrogate daughters” and she loved them like her own.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings – Frances, Donald, Charles (Chuck), Harvey, Dorothy Louise, Pauline and Baby Girl Ledbetter.

Cremation rites will be accorded.  An announcement of A Celebration of Life will be made at a later date for family and friends.  There will be a private family interment of her cremains at the Rock Island National Cemetery.  Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory Ltd., Moline is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, and given the many needs generated from a difficult year, please make a donation to a charity of your choice that supports families and children.

Memories may be shared online by visiting the tribute wall.