Sarah Jane Churchill

Sarah Jane Churchill (52) of Scottsdale, Arizona, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 21st, surrounded by family, friends and love. Born in Scottdale on December 10, 1973, to David and Adria Renke, she grew up in north central Phoenix with her sister, Erin (Hansen), and brother David. She attended Xavier College Preparatory (Class of 1992) and earned her degree in Spanish from the University of California Santa Barbara (Class of 1996) where she became a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. She returned to Phoenix and went to work in the corporate ticket sales division for the Arizona Diamondbacks baseball team. 

On September 18, 1999, Sarah married Edward James Churchill III (Ted), and they were blessed to share nearly 27 years of marriage. Sarah later worked as a Special Events Coordinator at Hospice of the Valley. They welcomed their son, Edward James Churchill IV (Teddy) in 2004, and three years later their daughter, Lucy Jane Churchill. Sarah was the rarest of bright lights and a force of nature. She shined her light on all she loved in the good times, and more importantly, cast it over her family and friends when they found themselves in troubled times. She was a loving daughter and sister, a dedicated wife, a devoted mother, a cherished friend, a woman of uncommon mettle and character, and a resolute companion when her family and friends needed her. Sarah loved helping elementary school and high school students with their Spanish lessons and became a confidant to most of them. She wore a beautiful smile, had a wonderful laugh and possessed a charm that would crack the toughest personalities around her. Sarah was blessed to have a broad population of friends across the country who love her dearly. She is survived by her husband Ted, son Teddy, daughter Lucy, parents Adria Renke and David Renke, her sister Erin Hansen, brother David, and nieces and nephews Matthew, Avery, Charlie, Sterling, Drue, Addie, Brooks, Cora, Ellie and Natalie. 

She will be deeply missed every day, but forever embraced in loving memory. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Valley. Mass will be celebrated on Monday, March 23, 2026 at 3:30 P.M. at Brophy Chapel, 4701 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85012.