Sarah M. Lynch

Sarah May Lynch, 93, of Knoxville, Illinois, died at 9:45 p.m. Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at Seminary Manor, Galesburg.

Sarah was born October 8, 1932 in Galesburg, Illinois, the daughter of Charles Alfred and Inez Lucile (Cawkins) Adams. She married Fred Russell Lynch on October 31, 1949 in Galesburg. He preceded her in death after 66 years of marriage on May 2, 2016. Sarah is survived by one son, Larry D. Lynch of Knoxville; two daughters, Karen S. Lynch of Galesburg and Linann Biddle of Knoxville; seven grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; and four great great grandchildren. Sarah is also survived by one brother, Alfred Adams of Knoxville; three sisters, July Olin of Knoxville, Sharon Steck of Galesburg, and Janet Williams of Galesburg. Along with her parents and husband, Sarah was preceded in death by two sisters, Darlene Lapp and Lydia Darrow; a half-sister, Frances Adams; four half-brothers, Howard, Charles, Harry, and Donald; and her best friend and cousin, Vivian Cooley.

Sarah helped Fred run Lynch’s Sport Shop in Knoxville for many years. She also worked for a long time in housekeeping at several area nursing homes, lastly working at the Knoxville P.E.O. Home and Knox County Nursing Home. When her daughters were growing up, Sarah volunteered as Brownie and Girl Scout Troop Leader. In her free time she enjoyed playing the piano and was a longtime member of the Knoxville First Christian Church.

Private family graveside services will be held and she will be laid to rest next to Fred at Knoxville Cemetery, Knoxville, Illinois. A celebration of life will be held in the spring. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in care of the funeral home. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.