Sarah Russell Etchart, age 70, passed away peacefully March 5, 2018.
Sarah was born Sarah Fortune Russell on August 13, 1947 in Bronxville, New York, to Betty and Edwin Russell — former mayor of Bronxville, senior partner in the Brooklyn law firm of Cullen & Dykman, and President of the New York State Bar Association. A New York debutante, Sarah graduated from Bronxville High School in 1965 and went on to attend Bradford Junior College in Haverfill, Massachusetts. After spending her summers waitressing at Jackson Lake Lodge in Jackson Hole, WY, Sarah fell in love with the Mountain West and graduated from the University of Colorado in Boulder.
Sarah’s time in Jackson Hole inspired a life-long love for the West, which ultimately brought her to San Francisco and into the advertising business as a media buyer with D’Arcy-McManus & Masius. During this time, Sarah met John Newton Etchart, a young Marine from Glasgow, MT just back from Vietnam, on a blind date. The pair fell in love and were married on October 18, 1975 in the Borromeo Chapel at Carroll College. The newlyweds then moved to Billings where Sarah continued working in advertising and John received a masters degree.
In April 1984, Sarah and John welcomed their only daughter, Jeannie, who was, from the very beginning, the light of their life. The family soon moved to Helena when John took a position with Burlington Northern and Sarah embraced her new life raising young Jeannie, taking care of the home, and engaging in the Helena community.
Sarah was well known for her quick wit, smart and balanced opinions, and extreme generosity. She was selected for a number of leadership positions in the Helena and greater Montana community. She served on the boards of St. Peter’s Hospital, Helena Education Foundation, Foundation for Animals, Greater Montana Foundation, and was appointed by the Montana Supreme Court to serve on the Commission on Practice from 2007-2011.
Sarah was the epitome of elegance, regarded for her excellent skills in the kitchen and as a gracious hostess and entertainer. Sarah was often found maintaining her meticulous and flourishing garden, spending time on the tennis courts with dear friends or walking her beloved dogs around the neighborhood.
Sarah was preceded in death, 11 months to the day, by her husband of 41 years, John N. Etchart; parents Ed and Betty Russell; mother-in-law Elaine Etchart; sister-in-law Alicia Russell; brother-in-law Brent Frederickson; nephew Jacob Etchart; and niece Sally Jo Page Haynie. She is survived by her daughter Jeannie; older brother Edwin Larson Russell (Kimberlie) of Watch Hill, RI; father-in-law Gene Etchart; in-laws Michele (Steve) Page, Joe (Patt) Etchart, Janeen (Tom) McCarvel, Jacque Frederickson; and many nieces and nephews and their children. A very special thank you to Marie Lavinder, Jennifer Crowley, and Michelle Suero — the indispensable team of caregivers who became like family these past two years.
A celebration of Sarah’s life will be held at the Cathedral of St. Helena on Tuesday, March 13th at 10:00 a.m. followed by a reception at the Montana Club, 24 W 6th Ave. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604, the Helena Foundation for Animals, P.O. Box 389 Helena, MT 59624 or an organization of the donor’s choosing.
Mary Kay Bennett says
In the silence of my heart, I pray for the Etchart families.
Sarah walked the dogs by our home when the kids
were growing up..I always looked forward to our visits.
She was a beautiful, intelligent & caring lady..I will miss
you forever. ?????
Joan Miles says
Godspeed dear Sarah. May you be at peace. My thoughts are with the Etchart families.
I will always cherish the years I played tennis with Sarah. She was always such a wonderful, fun, caring person. And an elegant woman.
Helena will be a bit emptier.
Bill & Judy Coddington says
The world is a little less bright today. We’re so sorry to hear of her passing and another layer of sadness for the Etchart’s. God speed.
Mark & Lynn says
Sarah was a kind, caring person who touched so many lives. She will be missed!
Lorretta Lynde says
Sarah was a vital part of this community. It was always a pleasure to encounter her when we participated in the same endeavors. She brought so much intelligence, thoughtfulness, and care to anything she was involved in. She will be missed.
Tim Easton says
Janeen and Family,
So sorry for your loss. Prayers coming your way. RIP Sarah
jeff and melissa sherlock says
So sorry to hear of this; we will miss seeing this gracious lady walking her dogs around the neighborhood; her witty comments were always appreciated; peace to her and her family.
Joyce B Wokich says
I was deeply saddened when I read of John’s death and now I know the same sorrow for Sarah. I worked with John in Billings and adored both him and Sarah. They were alway happy and kind. and lifted spirits wherever they went. I will keep the family in my thoughts and prayers
AnnieB says
I am deeply sorry for your family loss, may you loving memories bring you a smile in the days ahead. Please know that your family and friends are here for you. (Proverbs 17:17). But, most of all for additional comfort please throw all you anxieties on God because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
Vic Miller says
Sarah was a very remarkable lady. She was my sales manager at KTVQ in Billings And I hated to lose her when she and John moved to Helena. However we got to spend some great years together when we were both board members of thru Greater Montana Foundation. She will be missed by a lot of people.
Linda May Hall says
Jeannie, Janeen and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Cliff Edwards says
We will focus our memories of our Friend Sarah on those many before this cruel disease invaded. Recalling the gatherings at she and John Newton’s home in BIL when we were all young pursuing our careers——Sarah’s hospitality and grace set a tone for all of us! That of course extended to their homes in HLN throughout the years. She decorated each with her warmth, wit, intelligent conversation and her enthusiastic Welcome! Our sympathy’s to Jeannie and the Entire extended Etchart and the Russell families. Susan and I much regret we are unable to join you all at Services and The Montana Club. Cliff Edwards.
Bill and Geri DiRocco says
Michele, we are sorry for your loss. She will be in our prayers.
Christie Kane says
Oh how sorry I am,Jeannie, to hear your beloved momma has passed. She was such a dear woman and your father an enduring gentleman. Her grace and care were top notch.My prayers and hugs to you and your family for you have endured so such much these last year’s. Take care.Thank goodness you have so many people who are there for you and your fuzzy little doggies to cuddle. Peace be with you?
Goose and Jan Gregson says
Sarah, I am so happy to have met you and know you.
I will always remember our time together working on the Senior All Night Party so many years ago. Rest peacefully. Jeannie our thoughts and prayers go out to you, your mom was a warrior. The night sky is brighter every night . Sending you hugs and prayers. Jan Gregson
Mary Runkel says
A lovely gracious lady that was a positive and active member of our community. My thoughts and prayers to the Etchart family at this time.
Sue Bannon says
Jean: When I think of your mom, the words grace and beauty immediately come to mind. I loved our soccer trips around Montana and the west, and I will treasure those forever. You are amazing in every way, full of grace and beauty, just like your Mom. Love to you .
Deb Crawford says
Jeannie, I am so very sorry for your loss. May your memories of your mom forever live in your heart. There were many fun soccer trips and her quick wit and beautiful smile will always be great memories for me.
Deb and Justine