Sarah Petty

Sarah Courtney Petty, 38, passed away on July 27, 2026. 

Sarah was born on June 1, 1988, to Vicky and Jim Petty. She attended Sunnyside Elementary, Kellogg Elementary, Allison Middle School, and East High School. Sarah will be remembered for her infectious sense of humor, her kind heart, and the way she loved the people in her life. 

As a teenager, she earned the nickname “Gracie Lou Freebush,” after Sandra Bullock’s character in Miss Congeniality, thanks to her naturally clumsy nature. The nickname stuck because it fit her so perfectly—and she embraced it with good humor.

Of all the jobs she held, her favorite was driving a school bus. She affectionately referred to the children on her route as her “bus babies,” and she cared deeply for each one. In recent years, she also discovered a love for caring for indoor plants and took great pride in her growing collection and newfound green thumb.

Sarah found joy in music. Whether she was singing along at the top of her lungs to Prince’s “Kiss” or listening to her favorite country artist, Chris Young, music was never far from her heart. One of her favorite memories was having the opportunity to meet Chris Young and attend several of his concerts.

Above all, Sarah loved her family. She welcomed her son, Aidan, in 2007 and her son, Jack, in 2012. She also lovingly embraced her role as a bonus mom to Daniel, Renee, Jordan, and Rheanna Crable. Becoming “Nana” to her grandson, Kylo, brought her immeasurable joy. Kylo was her happiness, and anyone who saw them together knew just how true that was. 

Sarah and her husband, Donnie Crable, began their life together on November 21, 2011. Together they built a life centered on family, laughter, good times, and love. 

Those who knew Sarah also knew her unwavering devotion to the people she loved. During her father’s illness, she faithfully accompanied him to medical appointments, listened carefully to his doctors, and helped him navigate every step of his care. It was one of the many ways she demonstrated her love and compassion. And there are countless other stories of the ways in which she showed up for various other friends and family members.

Sarah was preceded in death by her father, Jim Petty. She is survived by her mother, Vicky Petty; her husband, Donnie Crable; her sons, Aidan Petty and Jack Petty; her bonus children, Daniel Crable, Renee (Melissa) Crable, Jordan (Cameron) Crable, and Rheanna (Jerrell) Crable; her beloved grandson, Kylo Carson; her sister, Ashley (Taylor) Mather; and many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

A service celebrating Sarah’s life will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at St. James Episcopal Church, 3750 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67208. A reception will immediately follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with, and donations may be made to, St. James Episcopal Church, Donate Life America, and Valley Hope of Wichita. For donations to St. James Episcopal Church: If you wish to donate by check, please write “Sarah Petty” in the memo line. Todonate online, visit the church’s online giving page, select “Offering: General,” and enter “Sarah Petty” in the memo field. For donations to Donate Life America: Visit the Donate Life America contribution page. Be sure to check the box that says “Dedicate my donation in honor or in memory of someone,” then follow the prompts. For donations to Valley Hope: Visit the Valley Hope donation page and click “Donate Now.” Be sure to check the box that says “I would like to dedicate this donation,” then follow the prompts.

In honor of Sarah, turn up a Chris Young song, sing along without worrying whether you’re on key, hug your family a little tighter, and don’t forget to water your plants. 

Share condolences at www.cozine.com. Arrangements by Cozine Memorial Group-Broadway Mortuary.