Sara Hiss Obituary

Sara 'Sally' Lorraine Wheaton Hiss
Sara "Sally" Lorraine Wheaton Hiss passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026, at 94 years of age.
Sally, born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Guy Carl Wheaton and Velma Parmelee Wheaton, lived a life centered on faith, family, and caring for others. The youngest of five children, Sally grew up surrounded by her beloved siblings – Mary Elizabeth LeMaire (John), Phillip Wheaton (Wynn), Barbara Jean Leitske, and Paul Wheaton (JoAnne) – with whom she shared a lifelong closeness.
Sally met the love of her life, Reinhard ("Reiny") C. Hiss, at a Christian Youth for Peace Rally. They married in 1951 and built a life together defined by partnership, devotion, and steady love. Through every move and season of life, they remained each other's constant.
Nothing meant more to Sally than her family. She was a deeply devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who took genuine interest in the lives of those she loved. She is survived by her children, Scott Carl Hiss (Pamela Johnson Hiss), Sara Sue Hiss Zerkel, and Ryan Andrew Hiss (Blythe Hiss); and her daughter-in-law, Lisa Joosten Hiss. She was preceded in death by her husband, Reiny, and her beloved son, Reinhard ("Ric") Charles Hiss, both of whom she carried always in her heart.
Her joy only grew as her family expanded. She cherished her grandchildren– Fred Johnson (Lindsay Johnson), Ashley Trottier (Brian Trottier), Margaret Bock (Brian Bock), Daniel Hiss (Katie Hiss), Andrew Hiss (Mary Hiss), Alex Zerkel (Sarah Warshaw), Maddie Zerkel, Jack Zerkel (Rachel Chang), Casey Hiss, and Aaron Hiss – and delighted in her great-grandchildren: Alice Trottier, Lola Trottier, Fred Johnson IV, Eliza Hiss, Anthony Hiss, Ryan Hiss, and Hudson Hiss. Each one held a special place in her heart.
Over the years, Sally made homes in many places – Chicago, Grand Rapids, MI, Woodville, MS, New Orleans, Naperville, IL and Crystal Lake, IL, where she spent more than two decades – before later years at Lake Gaston, NC, Southern Pines, NC, and Bogart, GA. Wherever she lived, she created a sense of warmth and belonging.
Sally's faith was a quiet but guiding presence in her life. She dedicated many years to the United Methodist Women and the Missions Committees at various church homes, expressing her faith through acts of service. She was a member of Watkinsville First United Methodist Church. She also gave many years to the Salvation Army in McHenry County, Illinois, where she offered help, encouragement, and compassion to those in need. Her 25-year service award reflected not just her commitment, but her genuine desire to care for others.
Sally will be remembered for her quick wit and the simple and meaningful ways she showed her love – especially the thoughtful cards she faithfully sent to family members for birthdays and anniversaries, and the holiday cards she would send to the friends she made along life's journey. In her later years, when writing became more difficult, she spent countless hours preparing these cards– which always included positive and uplifting messages. These gestures, so consistent and sincere, reflected who she was: attentive, caring, and quietly generous. Her presence brought comfort and connection, and she leaves behind a legacy that lives on in the many lives she touched.
Her family is deeply grateful to the compassionate staff at the Orchard at Athens for the kindness and care they showed her over the years and Agape Hospice Care who provided care in her final weeks.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Sally will be laid to rest at Windridge Memorial Park in Cary, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to A.C.T.S. Food Pantry in Bogart, Georgia, the Salvation Army, or Watkinsville First United Methodist Church in Watkinsville, GA.
Sally will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her steady faith, and the love she gave so freely.
Arrangements are entrusted to Lord & Stephens West. www.lordandstephens.com