Sarah Belle (Mulch) Conner Prather, a cherished and devoted matriarch, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the warmth of her loving family and in the comfort of her home in Christopher, Illinois.

Sarah was born in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, the beloved daughter of George Amos Mulch and Mary Armilda (Simmons) Mulch. A woman of deep faith and unwavering strength, Sarah lived a life marked by resilience, grace, love, and devotion to her family.

At the age of 15, Sarah married Bennet Conner at her parents' home in Mt. Vernon, beginning a family legacy that would remain at the heart of her life. She later married Robert “Bob” Conner, with whom she shared more than 40 years of marriage. Together, they built a life and a business as the proud owners of Heartland Metal Recycling. In her later years, Sarah married John David Prather Sr., with whom she shared many precious memories until his passing in 2019.

Sarah's faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was a lifelong Pentecostal worshiper and found great joy and purpose through her relationship with God. For most of her life, Sarah played an important role in leading worship services and was responsible for overseeing the music ministry. Music was not simply a talent for Sarah; it was a way she served God and connected with others. An accomplished pianist, she could play nearly any instrument and delighted in sharing her musical gifts with those around her. Teaching music was a passion she continued throughout her life, including most recently sharing her knowledge and love of music with Brother Ruff at Calvary Apostolic Church in Christopher, Illinois.

Sarah's determination and love of learning were evident throughout her life. Although she left school in the ninth grade to begin her life as a wife and mother, she never stopped learning. In her mid-50s, she proudly earned her GED from Rend Lake College, an accomplishment that reflected her indomitable spirit and determination to reach her goals.

Sarah was preceded in death by her beloved husbands, Bob Conner and John Prather Sr.; her parents, George and Mary Mulch; her brother, Daniel Mulch; and her grandson, Jerry Wayne Conner Jr.

She leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue through her family, including her four children: Jerry (Mila) Conner Sr. of Meridian, Mississippi; Ronald (Helen) Conner of West Frankfort, Illinois; Dianna (Brian) Kimbro of Mulkeytown, Illinois; and Mary (Jackie) Inchcliff of Bush, Illinois.

Sarah also lovingly helped raise her grandchildren, Sara Goff and John Ferris. Her cherished grandsons include Todd Conner, Kevin Conner, Matt Conner, and John Orcutt, and her granddaughters include Michelle Burgess, Christina Drennon, Kristy Conner, and Julie Conner.

Her joy continued through her great-grandchildren: Benito Goff, Austin Wampler, Olzea Smolinski, Alexandra Ferris, Luscentia Smolinski, Sebastian Goff, Harrison Goff, Jacelynn Ferris, Christian Hart, Xavier Silva, Megan Drennon, Jimmy Drennon, Shane Drennon, and bonus great-grandchild Rielle Edwards; and her great-great-grandchildren: Arol Wampler, Canaan Stage, Isabella Stage, Ayce Wampler, and Collin Drennon.

Sarah will be remembered for her unwavering faith, determination, musical gifts, and, above all, the love she gave so freely to her family. Her legacy will live on in the generations she nurtured, taught, and loved.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 5:00 p.m., on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the Cambria First Apostolic Church, 908 North Maple Street, Cambria, Illinois 62915. Services will be officiated by the Reverend Chris Hammonds.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.patefh.com