More Than a Statistic: The Five-Year Fight Defined by Faith

The news of Sarah Jolene Staebell’s passing at the age of 49 brings a wave of profound sadness to everyone who witnessed her heroic five-and-a-half-year battle against colon cancer. Sarah’s fight was not merely a private struggle; it was a public masterclass in resilience, faith, and the refusal to surrender one’s spirit to a terminal illness. She faced her diagnosis head-on, transforming her challenge into a platform for advocacy, becoming a prominent supporter of the local Relay for Life. Her determination and positive outlook were so infectious that she was recognized as the Cancer Survivor of the Year in 2024.

Her battle highlights the devastating reality of illness, but her attitude illuminated the power of the human spirit. She approached her final years not with fear, but with an accelerated focus on joy—squeezing every ounce of meaning from her remaining time. She was fiercely dedicated to her faith, which provided her with an unshakeable inner peace, allowing her to confront the harshest realities of her treatment without letting go of her radiant personality. Her story is a heartbreaking reminder of what cancer steals, but also a testament to the fact that the disease could never claim her spirit.

The Masterpiece of Motherhood: Grandchildren as the Greatest Medicine

While Sarah achieved professional success as the co-owner of Staebell Design—winning multiple “Best of the Best” awards for her skill in interior decorating and organization—she never wavered on where her true pride lay: her family. She was a devoted wife and a loving mother to four children, but it was in the role of grandmother that she found her greatest source of strength and “medicine.” She had a unique, unbreakable bond with her grandchildren, Walker and Emery.

She created sacred time amid her illness, particularly “Walker Wednesdays,” where she found simple, necessary comfort in curling up for naps with them. Sarah lavished her grandbabies with attention, sharing her sass, her smiles, and her fun surprises. These children were her focus, her joy, and the most beautiful legacy she could ever design. The family photos show a woman utterly devoted to creating happiness, a devotion that now provides a beacon of light for her children as they navigate this immense grief. The void she leaves in the hearts of her loved ones is immeasurable, but her life lesson is clear: family is the ultimate work of art.

A Legacy of Light: Organizing Life and Creating Beauty

Sarah’s passing leaves a void in the Evansdale business community and in the social fabric of her friends. Her flair for design and meticulous organization was evident in everything she touched, from her award-winning business to her beloved Christmas decorations. She was the person who ensured every detail was perfect, every gift was thoughtfully prepared, and every event was flawlessly executed—all while never failing to be the life of the party.

The community’s response to her loss is a tribute to her character. Tributes from clients, friends, and fellow advocates speak to her ability to inspire and uplift. Her life, though ending too soon at 49, was a beautifully arranged masterpiece of love, business success, and unfailing courage. As her family and friends prepare to say their final goodbyes, they hold onto the hope that her memory will continue to shine brightly, urging them to face challenges with her signature blend of resolve and radiant positivity.