Obituary of Sarah Jane Means

Sarah Jane Means, 76, of Fairmont, WV passed away Wednesday, September 11, 2024. She was born in Morgantown on May 15, 1948 to the late JoAnn (Stewart) Goodwin and Martin Wayne Goodwin. Sarah is survived by her daughter Patricia Desmuke, with children Abby, Zach and David Desmuke; son, Robert D. Means and his children with Amanda, Bailey and Reagan Means; two brothers, Timothy Goodwin and wife Jenny, and Carl Goodwin and wife Penny; sister-in-law, Trudy Withey and her husband Rob; brother-in-law, Bill Beachem; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Sarah was preceded in death by her husband, William Conrad "Rad" Means, Jr.; mother-in-law, Elizabeth Means Duckett; and sister-in law, Lea Beachem. Sarah was born in Morgantown, WV where she graduated from University High School and then WVU with a Master of Education degree. She was a teacher by profession and all throughout her family life. Sarah began her teaching career at Riverside School in Morgantown before moving to Columbus, Ohio where she taught at an all-girls' school. When expecting their first child, she and Rad moved back home to be closer to family and transitioned to a stay-at-home mom, but her teaching influence never ended. She became an active member of Perry Elementary PTT and held various leadership roles in both Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts, training and teaching scouts and other adults the necessary skills and knowledge to become leaders themselves. Sarah eventually went back to teaching part-time as a substitute when they moved to Fairmont, WV. When faced with family health problems, Sarah became involved with Letters of Love, and other programs in Children's Hospitals, to provide support for children and families, including our own. After her son Robert joined the military, she was actively involved in the 459th Family Support Group for families of service members. After the passing of her husband, Sarah and her daughter Patricia teamed together to raise her children as Sarah fought to overcome breast cancer. Her fighting spirit continued as she later fought colon cancer for many years. When her health made it necessary, she moved to Pierpont Center for Assisted Living and quickly became a resident advocate and eventually president of the resident council. Among the various activities Sarah participated in, she loved bingo the most. Through it all, she continued to help, teach, and work with others. She lived a full life, fought hard through her battles, and was ready to move on. She passed peacefully with her children by her side. Sarah will be greatly missed by the many lives she inspired throughout her life. Friends and family will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown, on Thursday, September 19th from 4PM to 8PM, and again on Friday, September 20th from 10AM until the time of the funeral service at 11AM, with Pastor Dan Meadows officiating. A graveside service will follow at Weston Masonic Cemetery in Weston, WV at 2PM. Hastings Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com.