April 17, 1987 – August 19, 2025

Sarah Tenae Kawcak Newtson was born in Craig, Colorado on April 17th,1987 to Frank and Reneta Kawcak. Some of Sarah’s earliest memories were picking peas in the garden, riding horses through the field, and tending to the cows, along with the sheep, at the Levkulich place. It was there that Sarah’s dreams began to take shape. It was there that she learned to ride her first horse and fall in love with a loyal dog. She was tenacious and strong, even in her youth. She always sought a worthy challenge, a meaningful project and aimed high in every endeavor she pursued.

When Sarah was old enough to join 4-H, she was certain that only one project would simply not be enough to suit her. She was determined and driven as she raised her animals, from start to finish, with persistent independence. Sarah also participated in leathercraft as well as a thorough study of plants in her home state of Colorado. Sarah would use both of these mastered skill sets, for many years to come. Sarah did not shy away from any challenge. More times than not, she would seek every opportunity to find the solutions to the problems she faced, as well as for her family and friends.

At the age of 12, Sarah was given her very own mare named Boone, and a little colt named Sunny. Frank and Reneta gave her these two beautiful animals for her to care for, to learn from, and to love. From that point on, she was forever changed. Her love for horses flourished and grew with each rising sun. She would hitch a ride in the mornings, with whoever was headed to the ranch earliest, to work with her beloved horses. She would never look back, this was her calling, her passion, her love. She cultivated this natural talent day in and day out. At any and every opportunity, she worked tirelessly to care for her horses and grow as a cowgirl. She had found what truly defined her.

Sarah’s interests in ranching and horsemanship flourished under the guidance of her parents. When Frank and Reneta began to build on their property west of Craig, Sarah was Grandpa Dan’s right hand girl. She was there, in all of the projects he had planned, right at his heels. They were cut from the same cloth, and were always up to help each other out. They dearly cherished their times together. They were a team, a duo of sorts, learning, building, and sometimes, finagling. She spoke affectionately of him always, and he adored her every bit as much.

As Sarah entered high school, her dreams and ambitions leveled up even more. Frank and Reneta did all that they could to stay caught up with all the aspirations that Sarah was determined to experience. Her drive to join, lead and take part in a plethora of different interests was an inspiration to those around her. Sarah never allowed boundaries of any kind to limit her. Once she set her mind on accomplishing a goal, she saw it through with focus and determination until it was achieved. With this mindset, she served as an active leader in 4-H and FFA. She loved being a leader, as it came natural to her. She took on roles with ease which included Elkhead Wranglers Club President, 4-H Junior Leader and Fair Royalty, just to name a few.

Sarah played a crucial role in building the family ranch, which stands as a testament to her abilities and skill. Sarah worked as a waitress, while caring for the animals at the ranch, going to school and being highly active in FFA. She was

a member of the FFA meat judging team that went on to compete at the national level. Sarah happily sought every opportunity to serve others for their betterment, often spearheading ideas into action and leading the way. In these moments and capacities, she was fierce and headstrong, but intentional and effective. It was in these years, full of profound moments and memories, that Sarah was happiest.

Sarah enrolled at Oklahoma State University in the Fall of 2005 with her focus on animal science. Sarah began her college years as a member of the Oklahoma State FIT program. As she settled into her new environment, Sarah immersed herself in college life and joined multiple clubs. In 2007, Sarah joined the Oklahoma State horse judging team. From 2008-2010, she further went on as an assistant coach for the horse judging team. Upon graduation with her Bachelor’s of Science degree, Sarah directed her education towards equine nutrition. Throughout her graduate studies, Sarah was a teaching Assistant to Dr. Cooper for Equine Science and Equine Training classes. She was highly involved in the equine breeding and nutrition program at the OSU Equine Center. During this time, she collected, bred and foaled her dear Spike, who will carry her boots today for her final ride. Sarah’s understanding, knowledge and commitment to horses was not only vast and wide, but incredibly fine tuned.

While home from college in the summers, Sarah fondly worked at the Marvine Ranch as a ranch hand. With this multi-faceted role, she embraced this rare opportunity to fully allow all her passions and talents to shine at once. Working her dogs and horses, while riding through some of God’s most beautiful country daily, fed her soul. From those defining moments, Sarah knew that she would forever work on a ranch, with her dogs and horses alongside her, every step of the way.

Ranching was what Sarah loved most. She worked on various ranches throughout Colorado and Wyoming. Sarah made friends everywhere she went and always tried to do her best to help people any way she could. Sarah’s quick wit laced with a teasing, sarcastic flare, and her loving personality could put a smile on anyone’s face. If you didn’t crack a smile, she would torment you with grief relentlessly until she got you grinning or better yet, laughing. Ranching was hard work but Sarah made sure there was always a bit of fun along the way. Spring time brought new life to the ranch that touched Sarah’s heart. She loved seeing the baby calves early in the year. She could spot a herd of elk on the land before most people. “Look!! Wapiti!!!”

Sarah worked hard at everything she did. Sometimes until she had to be told to go home. Sarah loved learning about plants and all of the ways they could be used to help people and animals. Sarah’s passion for horses continued to flourish all through her life. In 2021, Sarah started taking classes to learn how to do Equine Body Work so she could learn how to help horses on a deeper level.

Whether through leatherwork, sewing, beading or even baking and cooking, Sarah always had a practical project in mind and the person she intended to gift the final piece to. She had a rare and unique, high-quality standard for each and every handmade gift she created. She was incredibly intentional and thoughtful when she planned gifts for family and friends. She deeply considered who it was for, what they liked, and what problem the gift would solve in their life.

Sarah and Cody met at a branding in Horse Creek, Wy. on June 11th, 2021 while Sarah was working for the Grizzly Ranch in Walden, Co. One year later, Sarah and Cody were married on June 11th, 2022. Immediately after their wedding the two of them started working for a large ranch in Montrose, CO. Sarah loved the mountains and the deserts equally, and this ranch had acres of beautiful countryside with both environments. Sarah and Cody took a honeymoon pack trip into the San Juan Mountain wilderness and Sarah felt at home climbing around in the rocks and trees, riding her beloved Daisy Donkey. Together, Sarah and Cody managed a BLM winter grazing permit near Cisco, UT during the winter of 2022/2023. Sarah found solace riding around in the beautiful rocky desert country. She felt closest to God out in the middle of nowhere, in the rocks, among the lizards and cacti.

Cody was the true love of Sarah’s life. Sarah and Cody were inseparable and always together. Whether it was moving cattle, exploring beautiful country, chasing lizards, or traveling around seeing family with their trailer load of dogs. It was very rare that when one of Cody’s friends called him, that Sarah wasn’t part of the phone call too. They grew to be a support for each other, especially when life threw the heaviest hits.

Sarah always did her best to help her family any way she could. After Frank’s accident in July 2024, Sarah was committed to do anything and everything she could to help out her mom and dad. Sarah and Cody moved to Craig in December 2024 in order to help Frank and Reneta heal emotionally, as well as physically, and to help them move forward.

Sarah has an endearing nickname that she will forever be known by, as her nieces and nephews have referred to her as “Aunt Dodo”, from before they can even remember. Sarah’s beloved nieces and nephews have been absolutely spoiled by their Aunt Dodo’s affection, enthusiasm and impeccable ability to teach. Sarah’s intuition to teach horse riding came effortlessly as she could instruct any age, or level of rider. Her encouraging and supportive demeanor established success for all her pupils; her favorite students were, of course, the ones who lovingly called her “Aunt Sarah” or “Aunt Dodo”.

Sarah was an ‘old soul’. Her mannerisms were precious and timeless. She thoroughly enjoyed waking up to a game of cribbage over a cup of hot tea, spending snowy evenings patiently piecing together a puzzle or challenging Cody to a game of rummy.

Sarah always loved with her whole heart. She was fearless in everything, and she fearlessly loved. She loved her animals, her family, her friends, and God’s beautiful country.

A celebration of Sarah’s life was previously held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at the Anson’s ranch in Craig. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in Sarah’s memory to the Moffat County 4-H Foundation in care of Grant Mortuary, 621 Yampa Avenue, Craig, Colorado 81625.