Sara Espinosa Gobea

Sara Espinosa Gobea, age 98, peacefully passed away October 17th, 2025. Sara was born in Ottawa, Ks., to Maria (Godinez) and Vicente Espinosa on March 21, 1927. She grew up in Ottawa where she met and married Camilo Gobea on June 10, 1949. As a newly married couple they lived in Osawatomie for eleven years before moving back to Ottawa.

Throughout her time in Ottawa, Sara worked as a seamstress for the H.D. Lee Jeans manufacturing facility for 20 years and later worked in Food Services for local school district 290. She was a longstanding member of Trinity United Methodist Church, where she made significant contributions as a Sunday school teacher for 17 years, served as president of the Hope Society and Lend-a-Hand class, and participated in the home extension unit.

One of her favorite hobbies was going to estate sales and auctions with her companion, Everett Gragg, to fill her booth at a local antique store. Her best-loved pastimes included doing crafts, especially ceramics, and cooking. She loved to bake cherry pies and share them with her family and friends. Later in life she enjoyed attending dances and family reunions with her companion, Elwyn Welch. Another beloved pastime of Sara’s was travelling with her nephew Phil, and his wife Debi, to visit family in Leon, Mexico, and vacationing in Puerto Vallarta. These cherished family memories included day trips to different cities in Mexico, dancing to live mariachi music, and enjoying delicious food and drinks.

Sara is survived by her son Alfonso (Judy) Gobea of Windham, Maine; sister-in-law Mary of Ottawa, Ks.; two grandchildren: Sachi Gobea of Miami, Fl., Shayna (Will) Morgan of Yarmouth, Maine; five great-grandchildren; and fifteen nephews/nieces.

Sara is proceeded in death by her parents, husband, six siblings and spouses: sisters, Juanita (Angel) Ramirez, Delores (Wesley) Herbert; and brothers, Jimmy (Henryetta) Soriano, Percy (Celia) Soriano, Fred Espinosa, William (Wanda) Espinosa.

A celebration honoring Sara’s life will be at Dengel & Son funeral home in Ottawa, Ks., on December 12th. Family and friends visitation gathering is 11 am to 12 pm followed by the Memorial service at 12 pm.

Flowers are welcome, or if you prefer, make a memorial donation to Prairie Paws Animal Shelter in Ottawa, Ks. by visiting the prairiepaws.org website or Elevate Hospice by mailing a check to 1861 N. Rock Road Suite #320, Wichita, Ks. 67206

Sara often remarked that she had lived a full life filled with good memories, and a lot of laughter shared with family and friends. She will lovingly be remembered as a kind and generous person with a feisty spirit, and always quick to share a witty remark. Sara remains forever in our hearts.

To share your memories of Sara or to send a special condolence message to her family, please visit the guestbook below.

Those we love don’t go away,

They walk beside us every day,

Unseen, unheard but always near,

Still loved, still missed and very dear.