Sara Kathryn

Sara Van Horn Uhl, longtime resident of Vienna, W.Va., and widow of the late Mayor Curtis M. Uhl, passed away August 16, 2011 at Camden Clark Medical Center, St. Joseph's Campus. She was born to Charles M. Van Horn and Ona Cline Van Horn, at Sherman, Jackson County, W.Va.Mrs. Uhl's family moved to Vienna when she was ready for school. She attended Vienna School, Neale School and graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1937. She was an officer of her class.Sara worked for many years as an executive secretary at Camp Walters inMineral Wells, Texas during WWII; and at the Wood County Assessors office, Penn Metal Co., the office of Dr. Harry Myer, and State Farm Insurance. Mrs. Uhl was appointed to the W.Va. Board of Education by Gov. Hulett C. Smith. As a member of this board, she helped to determine the educational policies of the state and shared the general control and supervision of the business and educational affairs of Bluefield State College, Concord College, Fairmont State College, Shepherd College, West Virginia State College, West Virginia Institute of Technology, West Liberty State College, and Marshall University. She was the only woman to serve in this capacity during the late 1960's. She was a candidate for the W.Va. House of Delegates in 1972. She also served on the W.Va. Vocational Education Board, the W.Va. Educational Broadcasting Authority, the Board of the W.Va. School for the Deaf and the Blind, and W.Va. University Extension Service. Sara was named by GFWC W.Va. Federation as the clubwoman making an outstanding contribution to education in West Virginia, and did so, as a lay person without compensation. During her husband's 20 year tenure as Mayor of Vienna, she was very active in civic projects and events. She was named “Citizen of The Year” on two occasions. She was one of the founders of Vienna Community Council, and served as the first president. She helped to organize the Vienna United Appeal and served on its board for many years. Because of her husband's legacy and her continued interest in civic affairs, she was honored with an Honorary Membership by the W.Va. Municipal League. Sara was a member of the Parkersburg Country Club. Mrs. Uhl was a past president of the Vienna Garden Club and remained a strong advocate for the tree plantings on Grand Central Avenue. She was past president of the Vienna Woman's Club, a member since 1957, and an early advocate for the establishment of the Vienna Public Library. She continued through the years as a supporter of this community educational center. She served the GFWC W.Va. Federation through special committees. Mrs. Uhl was an active churchwoman, past president of Church Women United in Vienna and a longtime member of Wayside U.M. Church. She served as a Trustee and on many boards during the 70+ years she belonged. She was also a Sunday school teacher, president of the Altar Guild and United Methodist Women. She became a 50 year member in the women's mission work. She served on the W.Va. Conference in Wesleyan Service Guild work and served the little Kanawha District, U.M. Church, on the Committee on Superintendency. She leaves several “caring friends' who gave her care, support, love and happiness; several cousins; nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; special “adopted” ones; god-daughters; and two brothers-in-law.She was preceded in her passing by her parents; her husband, Curtis M. Uhl; several family members and special friends.A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, 2011 at Wayside United Methodist Church in Vienna, W.Va. with Rev. Sandra Runnion and Rev. Dr. T. Patrick Kerr presiding the service. Entombment service will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens Mausoleum, Chapel of Peace. Visitation will be 3:00 p.m. until time of service Saturday at the church. Rev. Sandra Runnion and Rev. Dr. T. Patrick Kerr, clergy; Judy Moran and Denise Van Valey, nieces and Mrs. Mary Jane Bayer, friend to remember and celebrate in worship.Memorials may be given to: Good Samaritan Center at 3001 Grand Central Ave. Vienna, W.Va. 26105, Vienna Public Library at 2300 River Rd. Vienna, W.Va. 26105, Vienna Volunteer Fire Dept. at 609 28th St. Vienna, W.Va. 26105, and Jackson Junior High School Choir at 34th St. Vienna, W.Va. 26105.