Sara Elizabeth Treftz

A devoted educator, community volunteer, and lifelong advocate for learning, Sara peacefully passed from this life on June 17, 2026, in Rogers, AR. Born on July 13, 1930, in Booneville, Pennsylvania, Sara was the daughter of Samuel David Ilgen and Mabel Amanda Shoemaker Ilgen. She grew up in Sugar Valley, Pennsylvania, where she developed a lifelong love of learning, family, faith, and service to others. Sara often shared stories of her childhood in rural Pennsylvania, where her father brought electricity to Sugar Valley through a power company he designed and operated, and where she attended a one-room schoolhouse before continuing her education. An outstanding student, Sara graduated from high school with honors. A lifelong learner, Sara valued education deeply and took great pride in being among the few young women of her generation to pursue pre-medical studies at Pennsylvania State University, where she graduated with her Bachelor of Science in chemistry and physics. Although accepted to Hahnemann Medical School, while at Penn State, she met Joseph Pisklak and later married in 1952, and moved to Maracaibo, Venezuela. Their marriage began a life filled with adventure, travel, and dedication to family. Sara touched countless lives through her leadership, service, and generosity. Best known for founding and leading a thriving international school in Venezuela for 28 years, she dedicated her life to helping others reach their potential. Whether serving her community through volunteer work, mentoring students, welcoming friends into her home, or caring for her family, Sara lived with intelligence, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Later in life, Sara married Louis Treftz in West Virginia in 1980. They moved to Kerrville, TX, where she was a volunteer first responder. They subsequently settled in Siloam Springs, AR in the 1990s. Sara was a woman of many talents and interests. She was an avid bridge player and frequently competed in and won bridge tournaments. She was also a gifted knitter, seamstress, and cook who delighted family and friends with her hospitality. Her dinners were fondly remembered by those fortunate enough to attend and enjoy her homemade biscotti and fried green tomatoes, among other dishes. Sara lived a life rooted in faith and community service. She was an active member of the Primavera Garden Club and a Bridge Club and dedicated countless volunteer hours to serving her community. For many years, she volunteered with the Siloam Springs Police Department and the Siloam Springs Hospital Auxiliary. In recognition of her exceptional service, she was named Arkansas Auxiliary Volunteer of the Year for smaller hospitals in 2007. Above all, Sara treasured her family. She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Lucas and her significant other, Max Quinney; her son, Joseph Roberts and wife, Karen; her grandchildren, Joseph C. Roberts, Kayla Milton and husband, Kyle, Kerri Summers and husband, Isaiah, and Shannon Boone and fiancé, Mike Lynch; and her great-grandchildren, Elizabeth (“Bella”) Summers, Landen Summers, Logan Summers, and Declan Lynch; and step daughter, Sharon Krumm and her husband, Robert; along with step grandchildren, Heather and Jennifer. In addition to her husband, Louis Treftz, Sara was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel David Ilgen and Mabel Amanda Shoemaker Ilgen, her first husband, Joseph Pisklak, and her sister, Mary Lucille Ilgen. Sara will be remembered for her intelligence, determination, generosity, and unwavering love for family and friends. Her warmth, humor, wisdom, and hospitality touched countless lives. She leaves behind a legacy of service, kindness, and cherished memories that will continue to inspire all who knew her. Services will be held on June 24, 2026, at 2:00 pm at the Grace Episcopal Church in Siloam Springs with Father Stanley McKinnon officiating. Interment will be held at a future date in Sugar Valley, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Siloam Springs Hospital Auxiliary, 603 N. Progress, Siloam Springs, AR 72751 or to COSMIC Symphony (Chamber Orchestra of Southern Maryland, In Concert, Inc.), P.O. Box 1323, California, MD 20619.

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Sara Elizabeth Treftz

July 13, 1930 - June 17, 2026