YANT, Sarah Winifred

Sarah Winifred Yant (Burke) 22, died 04-29-2003 from injuries in an auto accident. She was born August 7, 1980 to her parents Heidi and Steve Burke. The Burke family later brought her two brothers, David and Daniel into the fold. Sarah & her mother had a very special relationship. Based on years of caring for each other through ear infections. t-ball, scouts, really tough high school years and then the fabulous times that followed. Sarah Bear captured her mom's heart. Sarah and her Dad were very close. Sarah made him become a better father and person. Sarah was a caregiver for her brothers and parents, independent, had a great sense of humor, always wanting to be in charge, fiercely loyal to family and friends. She attended John Jacobs Elementary School where she was a Girl Scout, Mountain Sky Jr. High. and Thunderbird High School. School activities included swimming and volleyball. Her friends were long term friends. She was playful and caring. On her birthday, in the year 2000. she met the love of her life. Regan Yant. After a two year courtship, and impatient with the waiting, the two of them tied the knot in August 2002. As Sarah would say, "Regan is a two for one deal, Regan and Serenity!" Serenity is Sarah's 4 year old stepdaughter. They became the #1 fans of Thunderbird Boys and Girls Basketball. Sarah was in her final year at ASU (3.7gpa), earning a degree that she hoped would lead to a teaching career at Thunderbird High School. She was working at a hotel and tutoring Julian, an autistic child whom she dearly loved. Sarah now is in Heaven. Sarah leaves behind a grieving, pained family that is devastated by their loss. Sarah is survived by her husband Regan, daughter Serenity, mother Heidi, father Steve, brother David, brother Daniel, grandparents Dave and Shirley Burke and mother and father-in-law Carl and Lynne Yant. Aunts and uncles include Paul and Marie Burke of Phoenix, Denise and Mark Henkel of Beaumont TX, Sue Burke and Pat Daggett of Phoenix, Becky McNalley of San Diego CA, Kurt and Rebecca Henkel of Phoenix, Eric & Christy Henkel of Phoenix, Bob and Jackie Stout of Phoenix, Heather and Dennis Kosinski of Erie PA and numerous cousins, other family members and friends whose lives Sarah touched. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made at any Bank One branch to account # 1610324046 to benefit Julian and Serenity. Memorial services will be Saturday, May 3rd at Shadow Rock Church, 12861 N 8th Ave. at 1 p.m. Published in the Arizona Republic on 5/2/2003.