Hoopeston, Illinois - Sara Ann (Fourez) Rhodes entered the world on February 4, 1960, at Lakeview Memorial Hospital in Danville, IL. The third child of Richard "Dick" and Shirley Fourez of Armstrong, IL, she quickly became the take-charge organizer of the large family. A trait she kept throughout her entire life. As a child and teenager, she was heavily involved in school and 4-H activities, most often serving as President of multiple organizations, performing in highly sought after roles in school plays, showing cattle, and showcasing her baking and sewing skills at the local fairs.

She began her career working for McDonald's in 1976, at the Hoopeston, IL store. Continuing post-graduation from Armstrong Township High School, to work in Charleston, IL while attending classes at Eastern Illinois University. It was in Charleston; she met her first husband. While the marriage did not last, it did create her most favorite person, her daughter Amy.

Sara and Amy moved to Hoopeston in the early 90's, where she established herself as the General Manager of the Hoopeston McDonald's. Known for her generosity, she was always quick to assist an employee in need, donate supplies to school and community events, and so much more.

One early Spring night in 1996, she was at IGA in Hoopeston, picking up cat chow and met the love of her life at the checkout lane, Steve Rhodes, as he was picking up pizza rolls. They married on November 9, 1996, and were happy together until his death. They went on many adventures together including multiple NASCAR races, Cubs baseball games, and even watched Sara participate in the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Torch Run as the Olympic Torch made its way through the United States.

One brisk morning in 2003, it was in the McDonald's drive thru, that Sara's life was changed, when she met Daisy, a young white boxer dog looking for a new home. While Sara had always enjoyed her pets, Daisy led her down a path of animal rescue. Donating her time, money, and energies to find pets their furrever home. She served on the Board at the Hoopeston Animal Rescue Team. She fostered dozens of animals for Vermilion County Animal Control, HART, and others. You would often see her at Tractor Supply or C&D Feed and Seed walking a new foster dog around the facility, working on socialization. Her red golf cart was a fixture around town, always with a canine companion on board. Sara passed away on July 31, 2024, doing what she loved. After dropping off two dogs at a rescue in Northern Illinois, she and her latest foster dog, Tootsie, did not make it home.

Sara is mourned by her daughter Amy Buttram, East Lynn, IL, her canine "daughter" Lily, step-daughter Christine Rhodes, Milford, IL. Step-grandson Justin Rhodes, Hoopeston, IL, Step-granddaughter Anna (Gage) Lytle and step great-grandchildren Jirayiah and Kaizen Lytle, Urbana, IL, granddogs Buddy, Clover, and Dil Pickle Buttram, grandcat Dorito Buttram, siblings Michael (Kim) Fourez of Corning, IA, Susan (Michael) Catt, Rankin, IL, Jon Fourez, Bruce Crossing, MI, Mark (Maureen) Fourez, Oakwood, IL, Laurie (Dan) Wolfe, Danville, IL, nieces and nephews Miaya Fourez, Jeff Catt and Becca Nino, Dr. Daniel Catt and Dr. Amanda Brown, Courtney Catt, Tyler Catt, Zachary Catt and Logan Parmeter, Jennifer (Jon) Kaster, Nora Fourez, Garrett (Rachel) Fourez, Kassondra Fourez and her daughters Arabella and Scarlett Fourez, cherished family friend Ashley Beauvois; and countless individuals and animals who had their lives changed by her involvement.

Sara is preceded in death by her father, husband, and too many pets to mention.

Visitation will be held at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St., Hoopeston, IL, Thursday, August 8, 2024, 4PM to 7PM, with funeral at Anderson Funeral Home Friday, August 9, 2024, 11AM. Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Hoopeston Animal Rescue Team, Vermilion County Animal Control or their preferred animal rescue. And don't forget to spay and neuter your pets.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Sara's eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.