Sarah Virginia (Dorzab) Van Ness, 88, passed away February 24, 2016 at the Quail Creek Nursing Home in Springfield, MO. She was born December 19, 1927 in California, MO, the daughter of Henry and Grace (Goodall) Dorzab. She was united in marriage to Eugene Howard Bowers on May 5, 1949, and to this union were born 2 daughters, Cathy and Carol. Later she married Perle Lloyd Van Ness on January 23, 1976.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and 2 brothers, Walker Dorzab and Earl Dorzab.

Sarah graduated from Jefferson City Jr. College in 1948 with a clerical degree and began work in Kansas City. She worked as secretary at Border Star Elementary School and Southwest High School. She left the public schools and began working at Larkin and Associates Civil Engineers.

She was an active member of her church, participating in the music ministry and ladies groups. After retirement, she loved to travel with her husband, Van.

Sarah is survived by two children, Cathy Cockrill and her husband Woody of Springfield, MO, and Carol Dale and her husband Chris of Mountain Grove, four step-children, five grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at 1:00 pm at Christ Episcopal Church, with a visitation following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Greater MO Chapter, 1630 W Elfindale St, Springfield, MO 65807.