01/19/2026
Sara Elizabeth Bennett
Sara Bennett (Heck) - mother, teacher, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, advocate, friend, and professional Google Doc maker - passed away on January 12, 2026 at the age of 39.
Born on June 4, 1986 in Tampa, Florida, Sara carried the sun with her wherever she went. She graduated from Lexington (Ohio) High School in 2004 and went on to earn both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Ohio University. At OU, Sara embraced Greek Life as a Chi Omega, mastering the balance of academics, her sorority, and her true specialty—theme parties. She later got to share that experience with her little sister, Mandy. They worked at Ping Recreation Center, were a part of the CARE cohort In the College of Education, and met some of their most treasured friends.
As Sara often said, her purpose was simple: to teach, to love, to let light in, and maybe to make you laugh along the way. She was the teacher you never forget - the one who convinced you you could do hard things, cheered for your smallest wins, and reminded you to use your brain and heart at the same time. During her 15 years at Teays Valley High School, Sara taught Global Issues, Government, and Psychology to high school students. She served as a club advisor and swim coach and led with kindness and authenticity, showing by example that doing the right thing is not always easy, but it is always the only choice.
Sara never met a stranger. Her laugh, loud, joyful, and contagious was the kind that filled a room. She had a gift for deep connection, building friendships most people spend a lifetime chasing. She was notorious for crafting elaborate itineraries for trips, leaving behind extra photo prints so everyone had a memory to keep, and always being just a phone call away. She was a learner, always curious, and her memory was a vault.
Sara was inspired by the educators on both sides of her family. Much of what made her who she was came from the influence of her parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. She took great pride in being a part of her big, loud family. She relished her role as a sibling, by blood, marriage or her chosen sisters.
After the heartbreaking loss of her sister, Dani, to su***de, Sara’s family founded 33 Forever, a nonprofit dedicated to su***de prevention and mental health awareness. Her work developing educational programming combined her sharp mind and deep compassion to make tough conversations possible. She believed that no one should ever have to face the dark on their own.
She had an uncanny ability to make sense of messy situations - she was the one people turned to for advice and perspective. Solution-focused, trusted, and always ready with humor (sometimes dark), she taught those around her that joy and pain can live side by side, and that being human means holding both at once.
Sara loved the small things that made life feel big: a swipe of mascara, a glass of red wine (always chased with water - hydration and white teeth were priority), yoga, an overzealous kiss from her dog, and impromptu kitchen dance parties with her kids. Even nearly 4 years into living with ALS, she remained herself - still laughing, teaching, and finding joy in the everyday, just with different dance moves.
Above all, Sara was a mom. Her sons, Lincoln and William, were the source of her loudest cheers, biggest smiles, and proudest moments. They were the reason she fought ALS for so long and with such determination, finding ways to make memories with them, whether at home or on adventures near and far. She wore a bracelet that said “For Them,” her reminder on her hardest days.
Sara was touched by so many lives that it’s impossible to name them all, but she leaves behind a family and community that she deeply loved and who she hopes will carry her spirit, humor, and warmth forever.
Sara would want us to celebrate her by seeing the good, moving our bodies, speaking up bravely for justice, and being good to each other.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to college funds that have been established for her boys at https://Ugift529.com
Where it says "Enter UGift Code" enter either of the following codes - For Lincoln, enter: L4R-R63. For William, enter: T46-E6P.
A private ceremony will be held for immediate family only in the future.
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