passed away on May 4, 2026, following an overwhelming severe complication of her valiant heroic fight against cancer of the pancreas. Her death leaves a deep hole in the hearts of her family, her children and especially her loving partner and friend Dr. Mike Ashby.

Sara was born in Huntsville, Alabama, on June 14, 1951, to Silas Buford and Nannie Jordan Gaines. As this date later became Flag Day her father used to tell her that all the flags on display were in honor of her birthday. Soon after her birth the family moved to Hazel Green, where Sara attended elementary school graduating from Hazel Green High School in 1969. She had a passionate desire to become a nurse and despite many challenges she achieved her goal obtaining her Bachelor of Arts in nursing from Jacksonville State University. She also obtained intensive care nursing certification. After working at Huntsville Hospital, she later transferred to Lincoln County Hospital to be better able to help her mother, as her father had recently passed away.

At Lincoln County Hospital she met a young bachelor physician Dr. Mike Ashby who fell in love with her immediately. After courtship they became engaged in 1980 and married on April 25, 1981. Both passionate about wanting children and many ups and downs, she gave birth on July 21, 1985, to beautiful twins, Samuel Ashby III and Elizabeth Alexandra Ashby, who became the center and love of the life of their mother and father. Sara later worked at Skyline Hospital in Nashville and for Elk Valley Home Health before retiring from nursing.

Sara loved to sew and she loved making children’s clothes. Sara made many beautiful dresses, outfits and other items which she delighted in giving to friends and family. Christening gowns made for Samuel and Elizabeth are wonderful works of art and have been on display as examples of expert sewing. Sara was the member of a large family of four sisters and one brother, and she loved being with them at her mother’s house in Hazel Green. Sara was a devoted Christian and a member of the First Baptist Church of Huntsville when she and Mike were married. After moving to Fayetteville, she became a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Fayetteville and Fayetteville First Baptist Church.

Sara is survived by her son, Samuel Ashby III (Laura) and daughter, Elizabeth Alexandra Ashby; granddaughter, Wren Alexandra Ashby; her loving partner and forever friend, Dr. S. Michael Ashby. She is also survived by a sister, Mrs. Margaret Hendrick of Huntsville and Mrs. Nancy Gaines Holzgenecht of Missouri; and numerous nephews and nieces. Her most special survivor is her cat, Bella.

Sara was a loving, sweet, conscientious, giving and caring soul — a person beautiful in mind, spirit and body, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A private family graveside service will be held at the Gaines family burial plot at Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville, Alabama.

Higgins Funeral Home is privileged to offer comfort, care, and support to the family of Sara Elizabeth Gaines Ashby.

Rodger Dale Mearse, 77, of Fayetteville, Tennessee, passed away on Monday, April 20, 2026, at his residence. He was born on Dec. 27, 1948, in Lincoln County, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that contributions be made directly to the funeral home to help with funeral expenses.

No services are planned at this time.

Gallant-Riverview Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Rodger Dale Mearse.