Sarah Modell Gift was born October 22nd, 1925, in Cordell, Oklahoma, to James F. and Leona Anderson. Modell had one older brother, William Thomas (Bill) Anderson. She and Bill attended several different schools throughout three states until seventh grade, when they moved to Woodward, Oklahoma. She graduated from there in 1943 and went to work at the Bank of Woodward until she met Jim Gift.

They were married on March 16th, 1946. They moved to a farm west of Seiling and were blessed with two children, Karen and Jim Jr. They lived on the farm for several years, and when Jim bought an interest in the Seiling Livestock Association, she became the clerk and bookkeeper. She then went to work at the First National Bank of Seiling and remained there for 48 ½ years. She retired as Vice President in May 2010 at the age of 85.

In March of 1963, Jim and Modell moved into town and built a house in the Gift Addition. Modell's life was filled with being a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many. She also loved doing crafts and sharing her treasures with others. Jim and Modell were active members of the First Christian Church. In later years, she and Jim traveled all over the country in their motor home, including Canada and Mexico. They joined a National Travel Club until Jim's health interfered.

Jim and Modell celebrated 61 years together until his passing in November of 2007. She was also preceded in death by her parents, brother, and daughter, Karen. She is survived by her son Jim Jr. and wife, Virginia. Her grandchildren, Kristi and Warren Hunter, Matt and Christina Day, Dina Marie Gift, Dawn and Adam Shaw. She has 15 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great-grandchildren.

Modell created a legacy that her family and friends will always cherish and remember. Her gift of love and giving has blessed so many. Because of her relationship with the Lord, her family knows that although her 99 years on earth are done, she is with family and friends for eternity in Heaven.

Graveside services are Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Brumfield Cemetery in Seiling, Oklahoma.

Memorial donations in Modell's honor may be made to the Seiling Senior Citizens Center C/O Redinger Funeral Home

P.O. Box 236, Seiling, OK  73663