Sarah (Clawson) Shanks died Jan. 29 in Knoxville, Tenn. She was 41.
She was born to Carol and Mark Clawson of Dorr and was a graduate of Wayland Union and Grand Valley State University. After college, Sarah relocated to North Carolina to pursue her teaching career and earn her master’s degree. As a teacher in NC, she taught many students throughout several underserved magnet schools.
During Sarah’s first month in NC, she met Ryan while both of them were exploring Pilot Mountain. They married and had two children, Robin (7) and Eli (4). In 2013, they relocated to Knoxville, and began raising their children.
She also enjoyed hiking, running, rock climbing, gardening, crafts and camping. She was an active member of the local church and was training to become a deacon.
Sarah’s Michigan family remained a large part of her life and she visited several times a year to camp and stay with family and friends.
She is survived by husband Ryan; children Robin and Eli; parents Carol Braun and Mark Clawson; her siblings, Karen Bakker, Mary Bouma (Jeff) and Bill Clawson (Jess); grandparents William and Miriam Clawson; and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Sarah’s life will be held on Sunday, Feb. 12, from 1 to 4pm at Wildwood Family Farms in Alto. Flowers can be sent to 7970 Snow Ave SE Alto MI 49302.
A second celebration of Sarah’s life will be held in Knoxville Tennessee Saturday Feb. 25 from 2 to 6pm at The Chapel in Lakeshore Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tennessee Donor Services or your favorite charity.
