Sara Helen (Chiles) Bargfrede, rural Blackburn, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2025.
Sara was the only child born to James Thornton (JT) and Amy Crowe Chiles. She was joyfully welcomed into the world on November 18, 1927, at the Independence (MO) Sanitarium. She grew up on a dairy farm near Buckner, Missouri, and told of riding horses with her dad, visiting her grandmother and aunts, and delivering eggs and shopping with her mother in Independence. Her early education was in a one-room schoolhouse, followed by Buckner High School and two years at Central Methodist College in Fayette, Missouri. She graduated with a degree in home economics education from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1949. At the age of only 22, she began a five-year teaching position at Marshall High School.
Sara met a Saline County farmer, Ben Bargfrede, and in 1955 she gave up teaching to become a farm wife. She and Ben built a home together, and Sara became a beloved mother to Bernard (Mary) Bargfrede, Blackburn, Brenda (Mark) Brunner, McKinney, TX, Brent (Phyllis) Bargfrede, Dunlap, IL, and Barry Bargfrede, deceased. The Bargfrede family attended Trinity Lutheran Church in Alma, Missouri. During the 1960’s and 70’s Sara was active as a 4-H Leader, extension club member and chauffeur for her family. She spent many hours in her kitchen and was especially known for her fried chicken and homemade dinner rolls.
After her children were grown, Sara had the opportunity to travel with many tour groups and had a wonderful circle of friends. She visited her children and grandchildren and loved it when the family gathered at her house during the summer and on holidays. Sara was a champion for furthering the education of many children, a gift to them that will keep on giving.
Sara was preceded in death by Ben in 2002, and Barry, in 1997. Besides her children, she is survived by four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Her grandchildren, Rebecca Wallon, Amy Meyer, Erica Brunner, and Ben Bargfrede will never forget the love and adventures she brought to their lives.
A funeral service for Sara will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Alma, Missouri, with Pastor Bernard Ross officiating. A visitation/viewing at the church will be from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the service. Interment immediately following the funeral at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Alma. Please join the family for lunch and fellowship following the burial. Memorials in Sara’s name are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church or the Barry Bargfrede Scholarship Fund. Friends may sign the online register book at www.campbell-lewis.com.