Sara Jane Wilson

Sara Jane Wilson, 83, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, in Missoula, Montana.

Sara Jane was born on April 19, 1942, in Craig, Colorado, to Russell and Alma Greenhalgh. She graduated from high school in Casper, Wyoming, in 1960, and went on to earn her associate’s degree from Casper College in 1962.

On June 8, 1962, she married the love of her life, Paul Wilson, in Casper. Together, they continued their education, graduating from the University of Wyoming and the University of Nebraska, where she earned her master’s degree in business education and Paul received his Ph. D in geography. Paul accepted a position as a professor at the University of Montana, which brought the couple to Montana, where they lived in Arlee before settling in Missoula in 1972 – a place that became home for decades to come.

From a young age, Sara Jane had a deep and abiding love for horses. At just sixteen, she earned her own money to buy her first horse, beginning a lifelong passion that shaped much of her joy and identity. She was known not only for her love of riding, but for the exceptional care and devotion she gave to every horse she owned. She especially cherished riding in the Bitterroot Mountains and the backcountry of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Her final horse, Maggie, preceded her in death by only a few months.

Even greater than her love for horses was Sara Jane’s faith in Jesus. From childhood, she loved Him deeply and dedicated her life to sharing His light and love with those around her. She will be remembered for her genuine care for others, her attentiveness to the details of their lives, and her steadfast, faithful prayer life. Sara Jane had a quiet way of making people feel seen, remembered, and loved.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Paul; her daughter, Pamela Buckheit (Timothy); and her beloved grandsons, Dmitri Buckheit and Alexander Buckheit.

Sara Jane’s life reflected her deep faith and generous heart, leaving a legacy of love to all who knew her. Though she will be deeply missed, her family is comforted by the assurance that she is now at peace in the presence of her Savior and Lord.

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” – Philippians 1:21

A celebration of Sara Jane’s life will be held in Spring of 2026. Details will be posted at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hearts & Horses Therapeutic Riding Center (Loveland, CO) or Wycliffe Bible Translators.