Sarah M. Keith

Sarah M. Keith,70, former resident, passed away July 14, 2014. Visitation will be 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Friday, July 18, 2014 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, July 19, 2014, 2:00 PM, at First Baptist Church with Kevin Pence, Associate Pastor officiating. Interment will follow in Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, New Mexico. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Sarah M. Keith was born to Byron A. and Joy M. Marlar on September 19, 1943 in Claremore, Oklahoma. Sarah was a long awaited baby, as almost 14 years had passed since her brother, Al was born. A son, Ray Dale Marlar preceded Al and Sarah in death as an infant. The new little family came to New Mexico in 1946 so that B. A. (Sonny) could seek work in the potash mines. As the young father sought work, the young wife sought out a church home. Joy located Hillcrest Baptist Church and under the pastorate of Wilson Akins, many long term friends and acquaintances were established. It was at this church in 1950 that Sarah accepted Jesus as her personal Savior. Sarah attended school in Carlsbad and graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1961. That fall, she enrolled in Hardin-Simmons University, in Abilene where she completed two years. From that time forward, she embarked upon a career in the airline industry. Her first employment was with Eastern Airlines in Chicago, Illinois. She worked in reservations and the ticket office in the Palmer House Hotel. After accepting a transfer in 1976, she moved to Houston. She was at this time a single mom with 2 small boys. Soon after moving to Houston, Sarah met Jack Keith and they married in 1977. Around this time, Eastern chose to move their reservations office to Atlanta and Sarah elected to remain in Houston and seek employment with another carrier, Continental Airlines. From 1977 until her retirement, Sarah was a domestic flight attendant, a director of passenger service and up until retirement an international flight attendant, based out of Newark's Liberty International Airport. During her years in the travel industry, Sarah visited all 50 states and most all of Continental's International Destinations. Jack and Sarah raised their blended family in the Spring School District, Spring, Texas until all were graduates. In the early 1990's they moved full time to Galveston. They resided in Jamaica Beach on the West end of the island. Sarah joined the Jamaica Janes and has stayed in touch with many of the members. Sarah and Jack moved to Carlsbad in 2001. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Friends of the Library and Senior Circle. Sarah started a Red Hat Chapter here in Carlsbad called the Scarlett Strutters. Sarah enjoyed life to the fullest in spite of her repeated battles with breast cancer. She always felt that God had a reason for everything that happens and it is not for us to question, but to trust. She will most likely be remembered for her favorite color, red. Sarah always felt the color red reflected a happy, light-hearted spirit. Preceding her in death are her parents; brother, Al; step-son, Jon Keith and grandson, Julian (Jack) Keith. Survivors are her husband, Jack Keith; sons: Jon Winters and wife, Jamie, Andy Winters and wife, Stephanie; step-children: Jacki Keith, Jeffrey Keith and wife, Jeanie, Judi Harmon and husband, Mark; grandchildren: Logan Harmon, Josie Winters, Madison Keith and Joseph Keith. Pallbearers are Danny Pope, Willis Smith, George West, Duane Pearson, Mike Strickland and Mike Jowers. Honorary pallbearer will be Clay Gates. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1856, Clovis, NM 88101. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.