Sarah Elizabeth Rankin Hiatt

Sarah Elizabeth Rankin Hiatt completed her 100-year life journey on September 26, 2017. She lived a full and energetic life. Recently she said the secret for long life is attitude. Sarah always had a smile, for she saw the good in everyone and in every situation. About a month before her death, she was the star of an assisted-living wheelchair basketball challenge.
Sarah was born in Gastonia, N.C. on April 1, 1917, where she lived with her two brothers until college. She was a proud graduate of Duke University, and was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. She lived in Southern Pines, N.C. for 63 years, until she moved close to her son in 2014.
Sarah was always involved in community activities, including the Southern Pines Garden Club, the city zoning council, the DAR and numerous bridge clubs. She enjoyed golf and was a member of several clubs. She often volunteered for the Pinehurst PGA tournaments. She was a talented artist, and loved her oil, pastel and china painting. She enjoyed world traveling into her 80’s. The involvement and participation she cherished most was the Southern Pines United Methodist Church, where she was a charter member. Sarah sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, and was President of the United Methodist Women, to name a few. We often joked that, over the years, she probably served in every position but preacher. She served on the church council for over 50 consecutive years.
Sarah was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Joseph Spurgeon Hiatt, Jr. and her younger son John Robert (Bob) Hiatt. She is survived by her son Joseph Spurgeon Hiatt, III (Nancy), daughter-in-law Joan Springer Hiatt, grandchildren Jennifer Hiatt Gay (John), Sarah Catherine Hiatt Martin (Jason), Dorothy Hiatt Luyendyk (Kevin), Carol Hiatt Smith (Paul), and Joseph Robert Hiatt. She is also survived by her 9 great-grandchildren, John Preston Martin, Harrison Hiatt Martin, Ella Catherine Martin, Thompson Joseph Luyendyk, Patrick John Luyendyk, Mason Paul Luyendyk, Elizabeth Nancy Smith, Andrew James Smith, and Paul Robert Gay.
A memorial service will be held October 28 at the Southern Pines United Methodist Church at 2:00 PM. Those wishing to make donations in memory of Sarah may do so to the Southern Pines United Methodist Church at 175 Midland Road, Southern Pines, NC 28387, or to your favorite charity.