Sarah Battles

Sarah Elaine LaBombard Battles, age 38, of Kansas City, Missouri passed away Tuesday, January 15, 2019. She was born on November 5, 1980 to Marilyn Herrmann Wilson and Gary Alan LaBombard, both of whom preceded her in death.

Sarah graduated from the Excelsior Springs (MO) Technical High School on June 18, 1998.

For the past 16 years, Sarah worked for the Kansas City Metropolitan Crime Commission, a public safety non-profit organization. Most recently she served as a Senior Caseworker and Neighborhood Coordinator for the Commission’s Metropolitan Community Service Program. Sarah was a beloved friend to her colleagues. She said of them “they brighten my days and make me laugh!” At the office, Sarah was known for her “infamous pranks and unique sense of humor.” One colleague said “we could always count on her to handle some of the most difficult of clients…someone would walk into our office with a chip on their shoulder and mad to be there, but she’d have them cracking up laughing in no time with some of her crazy antics.”

Indeed, to all who knew her, Sarah was known for her infectious laugh, her wit and teasing banter – even in her last days. She was greatly appreciated for her honest friendship, fierce loyalty, and deep love for her family and friends. She always was ready to help anyone, no matter what she herself was going through, one friend remembered.

Sarah’s positive outlook, determination and strength was an inspiration. Her sister, Sunshine, remembers Sarah for her resourcefulness and ability to make things happen when it seemed nearly impossible. For two years, Sarah bravely fought the evil disease of cancer. She fought not for herself, but for those she loved, especially her children.

Sarah was immensely proud of her children, with each of whom she shared a special bond. One of her favorite things was a day off, spending time with her “kiddos.” She was their biggest fan, always proud of their achievements and grateful for the many ways they enriched her life. She loved them deeply and always had faith in them – faith that they would find the right path, be strong and be compassionate. “Raising kids that care is a beautiful thing,” Sarah observed.

In Dennis Battles, Sarah had help in raising three wonderful, caring kids. Sarah and Dennis married September 1, 2007. Together, they created many happy memories and earned the respect and deep love of their children.

Sarah was a devoted daughter, mother, wife, sister, cousin, niece and friend. To paraphrase Ralph Waldo Emerson, Sarah laughed often and much. She won the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children. She appreciated beauty and found the beauty in others. She left the world a bit better and all who knew her agree, many lives breathed easier because she lived.

Though she is safely in the arms of her Lord, countless hearts are grieving. Her wisdom, humor, strength and abiding love, however, will continue to guide and comfort her husband, Dennis Battles; children Diontae, Eraina and Delis Jazzlyn (DJ), sister Sunshine Wilson of San Diego; siblings Lisa and Joey LaBombard; as well as many dear cousins, aunts and other family and friends.

A visitation will be held 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 25, 2019, followed immediately by a memorial service, at Terrace Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 801 NW 108th Street, Kansas City, MO 64155.

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