Sarah Kay Meryhew

July 9, 1980 - September 28, 2023

Obituary

Sarah Kay Meryhew, of Seattle, WA, passed away unexpectedly in her sleep on September 7, 2023. She was only 43 years old. The family is deeply saddened and shocked by her sudden death.

Sarah was born on July 9, 1980, to Vern and Joan Meryhew in Tukwila, WA. After graduating in the top 10 of her class from Foster High School in 1998 and earning her associate degree in music from Highline Community College in 1999, she went on to study archaeology and anthropology at the University of Washington.

After earning her bachelor’s degree in archaeology, Sarah began her quest to travel the world; taking special care to connect and visit all the exchange students that had stayed with them while she was growing up. She was also able to do several archaeological digs along the way, including a six week stay on Easter Island. This was a clear passion of hers, taking every opportunity she was given to see and experience different cultures, both past and present. Even her career involved travel. She spent 16 years working in the travel industry for Holland America Cruise Line where she, sometimes with friends and family, took advantage of the opportunity to set sail quite frequently. Alaska was one of her favorite destinations.

She loved archaeology, anthropology, genealogy, photography, animals, and all things related to history. Nobody knew our family history better than Sarah. Her love of photography was reflected in everything she did.

Although Sarah traveled a lot, Capitol Hill was always her home. Her apartment quickly became the place where everyone wanted to be because she was the type of person you just wanted to be around. Everyone who knew Sarah knew she was just a big ball of love. Her smile could light up the room. She never had a bad thing to say about anyone. To know Sarah was to love Sarah.

Sarah is survived by her two cats Boogy and Shadow, Sheryl Michels, Denny Michels, Kathy and Gary Fincher, Chad Fincher, Francis Fincher, Pam and Dean Hudgins, Ryan Hudgins, Sharie Hudgins, Brad and Jim (Blair) Meryhew, Michelle Nicholas, Shawna Dickson, Lucas Dickson, and an abundance of extended family and friends. We will all miss her more than words can say.

We request that you join us in celebrating her beautiful life on Sunday, November 5, 2023, at 1pm. The celebration will be held at Bonney Watson Funeral Home, 16445 International Blvd., SeaTac WA. This will be a gathering to come together to remember and celebrate Sarah and how she’s touched all of us, not a formal service. We ask that you bring any stories, pictures, songs, or memories that you would like to personally share or have us share on your behalf. We hope all who attend will consider participating. Reception to follow.