Sara Nell Hyatt, was born in 1933 in Madrid, Alabama, to Eldridge Lewis Hyatt and Amanda Hinson, and she passed away June 27, 2025, in Dillon, Montana.
Sara grew up in the Dothan, Alabama area, moving to Colorado at age 19. She met the love of her life, Harry Sherman Dunham, and they eloped and were married in November 1953, in New Mexico. They lived in Denver, Colorado when their twin daughters, Jean and Janet, were born, and after moving to Golden, Colorado, their daughter, Susan, was born 5 years later.
Harry and Sara lived in Golden for 29 years and during this time, they built a cabin in the mountains near Granby, Colorado that was enjoyed by family and friends. Sara was an avid fisherwoman, always up for the challenge of who could catch the biggest fish during the family's numerous camping trips. Sara became an avid football fan and Harry's hunting partner for many years. She enjoyed quilting, knitting, and crocheting, making many beautiful afghans, quilts, and her famous "scrubbies"
In 1984, Harry and Sara moved to Sheridan, Montana, to begin their retirement. Their life in Montana was busy, enjoying camping, ice fishing, hunting, and square dancing, and they soon started heading to Arizona for warmer winters. Harry and Sara enjoyed exploring new country not only in Montana, but in all the states they visited. Their greatest joy, however, was spending time with family and their numerous friends.
Sara was preceded in death by her parents; husband Harry; sisters Jeanette, Bennie Frank, and Mandy Louise; brothers James and Dixon; and great-grandsons Paden and Coleman.
She is survived by daughters Jean Orr, Janet (Johnny) Thompson, Susan (Dennis) Nelson; grandchildren Candace (Mike) Smith, Kaycee (Charlie) Gilman, and Brynn (Josh) Illig; and step-grandchildren Rich and Rob Thompson; and great-grandchildren Evan, Ella, Emmett, and Everett Smith; Molly, Quinn, and Max Gilman; and Maddy and Leddy Illig.
The Dunham family extends their heartfelt thanks to BeeHive Homes for their loving care of Sara for the last two years, as well as to Honeybee Hospice, both in Dillon, Montana.
A celebration of life is planned for Sara's lifelong friends and family later this summer. All who knew Sara are welcome to attend.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors