Sara Elizabeth Cowden Bickerstaff

Sara Elizabeth Cowden Bickerstaff unexpectedly left this world on November 7, 2024 as a result of a pulmonary embolism. 

Born on February 14, 1980, Sara was the daughter of Michael and Barbara Cowden. She earned a degree from Oklahoma State University and became a very accomplished registered nurse, working in Intensive Care at Saint Anthony’s Hospital. Not only was she noted for good medical care, but she was particularly adept at recognizing small nuances that could lead to fuller recovery or better services, so much so that one family named their baby after her. 

It was at college she met her husband, Joel Bickerstaff, and they were true soulmates. They relished the happy times and held fast to each other when things were more difficult, navigating every day together. Nothing brought them more pleasure than their children, who were always the central focus of their home. 

Other than her children, Sara’s passion was for music and dance. There was never a car trip without special music playing and singing led by Sara, and there has never been a line dance or a two step that she didn’t jump into. Most of all she was known by all for her natural ability to love. Her focus was always her family, and she was blessed with large extended family who only gave her more to care for. She was a mother and a sister to so many. She was able to support and genuinely love several children God brought to her path, truly caring for each as if they were her own. She gave the same value to her close friends. Sara could remember the smallest items of importance for each, a favorite song or an item that was special, because she cared that much. She will be deeply missed. 

Sara is survived by her husband, Joel Bickerstaff and their children. They include Jared, age 28 , Aaron, 24 , Parker, age 17, and Isabella Louise, age 13. She is also survived by her sister, Monica Cowden and her mother, Barbara Cowden. 

Prayer services will be held at Smith and Kernke Funeral Home, 14624 N May, Oklahoma City on Wednesday, November 13th at 6:30 p.m. The funeral is the following day, Thursday the 14th, at 10:30 a.m. at Christ the King Church, 8005 Dorset, Nichols Hills.