John Saras

John Saras, 90, of Sunnyside, Washington, died February 19, 2016, at Prestige Care & Rehabilitation Center.  John was born October 17, 1925, in his aunt’s Basque boarding house in Shoshone, Idaho, to parents Ignacio and Maria Saras.  He graduated from Shoshone High School in 1942.  Following graduation, John worked in Salt Lake City for a short time before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in the spring of 1943.  While in the Navy, John served in the Signal Corp on the U.S.S. Republic, a troop transport, until the ship was sunk.  He then served at Ulithi, an atoll in the Pacific, until World War II ended and he was discharged in 1946.

Following his service years, John completed two years at the University of Idaho’s southern branch (now Idaho State University) before transferring to Utah State Agricultural College (now Utah State University) where he received a teaching degree.  John then taught for two years in his hometown of Shoshone, Idaho, before securing a job in Sunnyside where he taught and coached more than 1,000 students for the next 35 years.

In 1957, he married his beloved wife and fellow teacher, Sally Brown.  Both John and Sally have been actively involved in the community through years of devoted service to the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church and Sunnyside Historical Museum.

John was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Eusebio (Sam) Saras and Raymond Saras; two sisters-in-law: Imogene Bird and Teresa Berriochoa; one nephew: David Michael Saras; and one niece: Margaret Saras.  John is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sally Brown Saras, and numerous nieces and nephews.  He also leaves behind many cherished friends and students.

Sally would like to thank friends and family for their frequent visits and loving support over the years.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s name to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 327 E Edison Ave, Sunnyside, WA  98944.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, February 26, 2016 at 12:00 PM at the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Sunnyside, WA. followed by burial services with Military Honors at  Reservation Community Memorial Park, Wapato, WA. the family invites all to join together at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church parish hall for fellowship and refreshments following the burial service. Those wishing to sign John’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com Smith Funeral Homes Ltd. in care of arrangements.

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