Sarah Mounce

Sarah Inez Cassidy Mounce, 79, of Elkins, Ark., passed away Friday, March 31, 2017, in Bella Vista, Ark. She was born July 19, 1937, in Dexter, N.M., to Robert Harold and Julia Annette Skinner Grantham.

She was an adventurer and trailblazer. She was the first female Deputy Sheriff in Benton County, as well as the first female dispatcher for the New Mexico State Police. She retired from Benton County after 20 years of dedicated service. Then she and Lloyd retired to their beloved mountain. Her ties to the county remained strong through the lifelong friendships built there. In 1998, she returned to work at the Benton County Administration Office where she never severed ties and regularly participated at events. She had a zest for life. She loved traveling, gospel music, hummingbirds, canning and above all spending time with family and friends. She was known for her passion for capturing every moment with her trusty camera, famous for her apple butter and apple cakes. She was a touch mischievous and loved a good laugh.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Mounce; one son, Robert Cassidy; one daughter, Mary Cassidy; four brothers; six sisters; and her parents.

She is survived by one son, Butch Mounce and wife Cathy of Gainesville, Texas; four daughters, Carol Farmer and Don of Bella Vista, Frances Johnson and husband Woody of Bokoshe, Okla., Pat Mudd and husband William of Rogers, Ark., and Debbie Clevenger and husband Mike of Farmington, Ark.; two brothers, Floyd Grantham and wife Margaret of Artesia, N.M.; Roy Grantham of Roswell, N. M.; 12 grandchildren, Jeremy Farmer and wife Lindsey of Bentonville, Ark., Terae and husband George Reader of Bella Vista, Cory Farmer of Bella Vista, Catherine Mudd of Rogers, Kenneth Mudd of Rogers, Stephanie Newman and husband Willie of Farmington, Michelle Boley and husband Lance of Austin, Texas, Keegan Mounce and wife Mary of The Woodlands, Texas, Tina King and husband Garry of Farmington, Chip Clevenger, Sammy Johnson and Chip Johnson; 17 grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and many adopted friends and family.

Funeral services were held Friday, April 7, 2017, at 10 a. m. at First Baptist Church of Lowell with the Rev. George Clay officiating. Burial followed in Hickory Creek Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Arkansas Sheriff Youth Ranch, P.O. Box 3964, Batesville, AR 72503. Online condolences may be left at www.siscofuneral.com.