Sara Jane Pella, 33, of Exeter, passed peacefully from this life on June 10, 2025. A devoted wife, loving mother, and deeply cherished daughter, Sara’s light touched the lives of all who knew her.
She was born June 23, 1991, in Winslow, Arizona, to her father and mother, Ernest (Lynn) and Malynda (Mindy) Robinson Lincoln. She grew up in Leon, Iowa, and graduated from Central Decatur High School in 2009. Sara began her college journey playing basketball at Southwest Community College but later transferred to York (College) University to be closer to family — a decision that reflected her devotion to the people she loved. For Sara — family was never just a part of life — it was the heart of it.
At York University is where she met her husband, Jordan Pella. Their love quickly became the foundation of a beautiful life together. They were married Nov. 2, 2019, and have been blessed with two children, Winslow (4) and Lincoln (2).
Sara and Jordan made their life in Exeter and Sara quickly poured her heart into the close-knit community. As a devoted teacher and girls’ high school basketball coach at Exeter-Milligan, she was known for her steady encouragement, fierce belief in her students, and the way she celebrated every victory – on and off the court. Her players looked up to her not only as a coach, but as a role model who led with compassion, strength and integrity.
Sara’s love for her community ran deep. Beyond her roles as teacher and coach, she gave generously of her time and talents to make Exeter a better place for everyone. She managed the town pool during the summers, creating a safe and welcoming space where countless children learned to swim and laugh under her watch.
At one point, she also took on the role of librarian, sharing her love of books and learning with readers of all ages. A dedicated member of the Exeter Community Club, Sara was always at the heart of local events – organizing, volunteering, and showing up with that dependable, can-do spirit that made her so beloved. Her presence was a thread woven tightly through the fabric of the town she called home.
Sara found joy in life’s simplest and sweetest moments. She loved spending time at the family ranch –working hard, riding horses, and sharing laughter with those she loved most. A devoted Friends fan, she had watched every episode multiple times over, never missing an opportunity to quote her favorite lines. Sara had a creative spirit and a big heart, especially when it came to her children – planning matching Halloween costumes, making every day an adventure, and creating memories they’ll carry forever. Her love for family was woven into everything she did.
Sara’s cancer diagnosis was a heartbreaking shock to all who knew her. True to who she was, she faced it with courage, grace and strength.
Her greatest source of that strength was her family. Her husband, Jordan, stood faithfully by her side, steady and selfless through every challenge. Their children remained her greatest joy, and she was constantly lifted by the love and support of her parents, siblings, and in-laws, who never left her side. The community she had poured herself into also rallied without hesitation – offering meals, fundraisers, prayers, and a steady presence. The love Sara had so freely given throughout her life came back to her in full, a beautiful reflection of the life she lived and the hearts she touched.
Sara is survived by her husband; her children; her parents; her sisters, Jenna (Jesus) Perez and Ella Lincoln; a brother, Mike Lincoln; aunt, but more like a sister, Desiré (Philip) Grismore-Jones; grandmothers, Margaret (Peggy) Rogers, MaryAnn Lincoln and Barbara Perkins; father and mother-in-law, Rodger and Lynette Pella; sister-in-laws, Amber (Alex) Lefferdink and Morgan (Terry) West; countless aunts and uncles, four nephews and nieces and many other family and friends.
A Celebration of Life for Sara will be Monday, June 23, at 11 a.m. at the Exeter-Milligan High School gymnasium. There will be a meal and time of fellowship at the Exeter American Legion following the Celebration of Life. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.
Arrangements by Farmer and Son Funeral Home.
