Sheila Sauer

Sheila Rena Sauer, 52, of Jackson passed away Saturday, May 15, 2021, at her home.

Sheila valiantly fought cancer for nearly three years.

She was born July 13, 1968, in Cape Girardeau to Jerry and Glenda Robinson Barks. She and Dr. John L. Sauer were married July 31, 2004, at Mena, Arkansas.

Sheila was a graduate of Jackson High School and Southeast Missouri State University, majoring in criminal justice and minoring in criminology. She was a probation officer for Private Correctional Services and a deputy juvenile officer before becoming the drug court administrator for the 32nd Judicial Circuit. She was a lifelong member of New McKendree United Methodist Church in Jackson.

Loving survivors include her husband, John L. Sauer of Jackson; children, Logan (Garret) Light and their son Linkin of Biehle, Missouri, Paige Birk of Columbia, Missouri, and John-Paul Sauer of the home; parents, Jerry and Glenda Barks of Jackson; sibling, Rebecca "Becky" (Gary) Peters of Jackson; mother-in-law, Beverly Sauer of Springfield, Missouri; sister-in-law, Dr. Kim Sauer Hightower of San Diego; nieces and nephews, Audrey (Zac) Gendron and their son Sawyer of Jackson, Collin Peters (Maci McCuan) of Jackson, Dr. Chase (Emily) Hightower of San Diego, Kendall, Seth, Lyndsey and Jack Hightower, all of San Diego.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Robert and Dessie Robinson; paternal grandparents, Paul and Lucille Barks; two uncles, Scotty Barks and Rick Robinson; aunt, Gladys Whaley; father-in-law, Dr. Paul E. (Linda) Sauer.

Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday and from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the South Campus of New McKendree United Methodist Church in Jackson.

The funeral is at 11 a.m. Thursday at the church, with the Revs. Bryan Wendling and Jimmie Corbin officiating. Interment will follow at Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

At Sheila's request, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to purchase a memorial bench in honor of Treatment Court. If you choose to contribute to the memorial bench, please make checks payable to Rebecca Peters.

Arrangements by McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com, navigating to Sheila's personal obituary page, and clicking on the tribute wall tab above the obituary.