Obituary: Sara Elizabeth Hawthorne Geltz

Sara Elizabeth Hawthorne Geltz went to be with the Lord on Monday, Aug. 8, 2022. She was a native resident of Winter Garden and Central Florida. Sara was born April 28, 1956, in Lakeland, Florida, the daughter of William “Bill” Henry Hawthorne and Betty Jean Loflin Hawthorne. 

Sara graduated in 1974, from Lakeview High School, where she participated as a cheerleader. Sara was on the Homecoming Court in 1973. Also in 1973, she was a West Orange Debutante. She later attended Valencia Community College, where she earned her associate’s degree. 

Sara and Ted raised their three sons at Oakland Presbyterian Church. Sara was also an active member at Mosaic Church in Winter Garden, where she enjoyed preparing meals for church gatherings. She worked at U.S. Airways in Orlando, Florida. Later, she had varying jobs working at tree nurseries in Lake County, Florida. 

Sara enjoyed spending time with her family, going to the beach, Southern Traditions, cooking and traveling. She loved dogs and had a sweet spot for boxers, golden retrievers and golden doodles. Every year, she eagerly looked forward to the Fourth of July Picnic at Monteagle Sunday School Assembly. 

She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Theodore “Ted” Hess Geltz Jr.; and their sons, Theodore “Tad” Geltz III (Erika), Mitchell Hawthorne Geltz (Ashlee) and Adam Hardison Geltz (Amanda). She is also survived by the grandchildren she adored, Hadlee, Hardison, Pallen, Mattie and Miller.

She is predeceased by her father, William “Bill;” mother, Betty; brother, M. Claude Hawthorne; and her brother-in-law, Andrew Geltz.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 22, at Mosaic Church Winter Garden, 14175 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden. Celebration of Life Service will be live-streamed for friends and family who are not able to attend in person. Graveside will be immediate family only.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mosaic Church Winter Garden and or Monteagle Sunday School Assembly.