Sarah Eloise “Sis” Smith Puffenbarger, age 87, of Blue Grass, Virginia, passed away at her home Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
Born April 8, 1937, in the Little Egypt area of Mill Gap, she was the beloved daughter of the late Loy Milburn and Mary Catherine Bird Smith.
On June 4, 1955, Sis married Ivan Richard Puffenbarger in Blue Grass. Together, they shared a life rooted in love, faith and an unwavering commitment to family and farming. Their days were devoted to raising livestock, producing maple syrup, and working the land with tireless dedication.
Sis’s life embodied resilience, joy and boundless energy. A devoted farmer’s wife, she fully embraced the hard work of rural life – milking dairy cows, raising cattle and sheep, producing maple syrup, and raking hay. Raking hay was her favorite summer task, one she continued with steadfast determination even as her health posed challenges. Her dedication to the farm exemplified her strength and enduring spirit.
Her adventurous heart and competitive streak shone at tractor pulls, a favorite pastime she shared with Ivan. Driving her 6600 Ford tractor, Sis won many classes and earned numerous trophies and the admiration of her community. She took particular pride in outpacing the men, proving with every victory that women could excel on the track.
A natural athlete, Sis excelled in high school sports and carried her enthusiasm into adulthood. She thrived on the softball field and encouraged others as a coach, sharing her energy and love for the game. A passionate sports fan, she followed women’s basketball with great interest, especially admiring Caitlin Clark, whose drive and spirit resonated with her own.
Sis’s connection to animals revealed her compassionate nature. Over the years, she cared for a blind, orphaned deer named Bam-bi, a white groundhog, chickens and dogs and bottle-fed calves and lambs. Deeply caring, she even played country music to soothe her animals as she worked – a simple act of kindness that reflected her nurturing heart.
Her creativity and ingenuity were unmatched. Whether sewing, crafting, or later teaching herself to crochet in her 80s, Sis’s hands were always busy creating something of beauty and value. From building fences to digging water lines by hand to bring running water to her family’s home, her determination and practical skills left a lasting impact on her family’s daily life.
Sis’s Maple Donuts were legendary, drawing eager visitors to the Highland County Maple Festival. For many, the trip was incomplete without tasting her freshly made treats. Her donuts, as iconic as the syrup, remain a treasured memory for all who had the pleasure of tasting them.
For more than three decades, Sis brought joy to children as a beloved school bus driver for Highland County Public Schools. She dressed in costumes and crafted handmade gifts for her passengers, caring fiercely for the children on her route and ensuring each one felt valued and loved.
Traveling with her lifelong best friend, Wanda Town-send, brought laughter and treasured memories. Their adventures brought Sis immeasurable joy, and their unbreakable bond was a constant source of happiness for her, leaving all who knew their stories smiling.
Sis’s generosity knew no bounds. In one memorable act, she gave her shoes to a woman in need and drove home in her socks, a profound gesture of her giving spirit. She extended the same care to her family, lovingly tending to her mother and brothers during their times of need.
A woman of deep faith, Sis was a member of the former Union Chapel United Methodist Church in Blue Grass, Virginia. Her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ provided strength throughout her life and inspired all who knew her. She often shared stories and lessons with heartfelt sincerity, offering guidance and encouragement to everyone around her.
Sis found joy in life’s simplest pleasures. She loved solving Bible word search puzzles, an activity that reflected her faith. Cooking and baking were among her greatest joys, and her vast cookbook collection fueled her love for trying new recipes. Her holiday collections of bears and Barbies reflected her playful, whim- sical side, bringing her joy year after year.
Above all, Sis treasured her family. She rarely missed a grandchild’s game, livestock show, or school event, instilling in her children and grandchildren the values of hard work, faith and perseverance. Her legacy of love and strength will guide and inspire her family for generations.
Sis was preceded in death by her husband, Ivan; her brothers, Charles “Buck” Smith, James Smith, Ralph Smith, and Loy “Junior” Smith Jr.; and many beloved family members and friends.
She is survived by her children, Debbie (Puffenbarger) Botkin, and husband, Jerry, and Doug Puffenbarger, and wife, Terri; grandchildren, Eric Puffenbarger, and wife, Kim, Brad Puffenbarger, and wife, Kari, and Michael Botkin; her great-grandchildren, Brielle, Abbigale, and Ayda Puffenbarger; a brother, Delmas “DT” Smith, and wife, Kay; numerous nieces and nephews; and her lifelong best friend, Wanda Townsend.
Sis touched the lives of everyone she met. Her memory lives on in the stories shared, the lessons passed down, and the love she gave so freely. Her strength, kindness and vibrant energy will continue to inspire those who were fortunate to know her. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is reunited with loved ones who have gone before her. Sis’s legacy of love and joy will forever brighten the lives of those who carry her memory.
In keeping with Sis’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Green Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery, 8171 Mill Gap Road, Monterey, Va. 24465 or Union Chapel Cemetery, c/o Alan D. Puffenbarger, 351 Forks of Water Road, Monterey, Va. 24465.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.obaughfuneralhome.com
