Obituary of Sara Niemann

Sara Sue Claiborne Niemann, 78 of Harrodsburg passed away peacefully on Monday, October 21, 2024, at Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center in Danville, KY. Sara was born on February 14, 1947, in Knoxville, TN, the daughter of Hollis F. and Mildred Marguerat Claiborne. She worked in her early years with her good friend Dr. David Dolen at the Bingham Child Guidance center in Louisville, Ky. In 1974 she married Kenneth Joseph Niemann, Jr. They eventually built a home for themselves and their thoroughbreds and settled in Salvisa, Kentucky. Sara and Ken were involved with breeding, training and racing thoroughbreds -their favorite pastime. Sara began her transition into the catholic faith and finalized her journey joining St. Andrew Catholic Church in Harrodsburg, Kentucky Easter of 2002. Sara worked at St. Andrew Church where she retired as an administrative assistant. After moving to Harrodsburg, Sara remained very involved as volunteer coordinator for all religious education at St. Andrew Catholic Church. She was a member of Pastoral Council, Laudato Si’ Planning and a greeter in Catechist Information Programs. ln addition, She was a member of the Lions club, Harrodsburg Trust and MLK board Mercer Transformation board where she performed community tutoring. Despite a busy volunteer schedule, Sara was so drawn to St. Andrew community she returned to work as administrative assistant in June 2024. Sara was very involved with the Harrodsburg community and was loved by many. She had a deep love and involvement with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. This could not be more evident in seeing the two remarkable grandchildren she helped raise, Jared Schroeder and Ian Watts. Sara is survived by her two step daughters, Vickie Crane (Mark) of Jeffersonville, Indiana and Michelle Wheeler (Mark) of Floyds Knobs, Indiana; 14 grandchildren, Jared Schroeder, Brittany Jones, Aimee Voyavich, Andrea Davidson, Lauren Niemann, Daniel Niemann, Meridith Manica, David Niemann, Jordan Niemann, Brandon Niemann, Erin Fogarty, Nick Wheeler, Ian Watts, Jennifer Pichowsky; 17 Great grandchildren, Jaden, Parker, Caleb, Addie, Chris, Ruby, Stella, Isaac, Miriam, Lillian, Mariah, Tiara, Makenah, Jazlin, Channing, Xavier, Sutton Grace; sister Jan Claiborne Brown. She is also survived by several other family members and wonderful friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Brother Hal Claiborne, Husband Kenneth Niemann Jr., Daughter Natalie Cox Watts and her husband Jason Watts, stepchildren Brenda Niemann Schroeder and Kenneth J. Niemann Ill. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11am Saturday October 26, 2024 at St. Andrew Catholic Church, Harrodsburg, Kentucky. Visitation Friday October 25, 2024 from 5-8pm and on Saturday after 9:30 am at St. Andrew Catholic Church Memorials have been suggested to be made to St. Andrews Catholic Church, 1125 Danville Rd, Harrodsburg, KY 40330, in honor of Sara. Arrangements by Ransdell Funeral Chapel, where expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family on Sara’s Tribute Wall at www.ransdellfuneralchapel.com.