Sarah Conroy, 26, of Kansas City, passed away on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, after a courageous battle with Neurofibromatosis type 2. Though her life was far too short, Sarah’s spirit and resilience will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Sarah was born on May 22, 1998, in Topeka, Kansas, to Tim and Mary Ellen Schmitz Conroy. She was a bright, creative soul from an early age. Sarah began her education at Most Pure Heart Grade School in Topeka, before transferring to Whitson Elementary School in Topeka. After her family moved to Pawnee City, Nebraska, Sarah attended school and graduated from Pawnee City High School in 2016.

Sarah worked at the Willows Restaurant and Shopko, where she touched the lives of many. She later attended Washburn University. Her deep compassion for others led her to volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House, offering her time and care to families in need until her health no longer allowed her to continue.

Sarah endured countless surgeries since the age of eleven due to Neurofibromatosis type 2 with such courage. Despite the challenges brought by her condition, Sarah was a beacon of positivity, bravery, and joy. She cherished every moment, especially the time spent with her close-knit family, and most notably with her beloved partner of ten years, Emma, who was with her through so many challenges and adventures. Sarah always had a wonderful time visiting Emma’s parents, Don and Cynthia Allen, at their home in the mountains of North Carolina. She truly cherished the time spent in such a beautiful setting, which she affectionately called visiting “Happy Top.”  Family gatherings were always at the heart of her life, where laughter and love filled the room.

Sarah had a deep love for the arts. Whether it was creating her own works of art, baking and cooking from her grandmother’s treasured recipe book, or simply enjoying a visit to the Nelson Art Gallery, she found beauty in the world around her. She loved taking photos and capturing memories.  She had a keen eye for unique finds, spending hours browsing thrift stores and attending auctions, always on the lookout for hidden treasures.

She was preceded in death by her father, Tim, on June 10, 2002; maternal grandparents, Ambrose and Mary Ann Schmitz; her niece, Harlow Holthaus; and Jo Holthaus.

Sarah’s memory will live on in the hearts of her partner, Emma Allen of Kansas City; her mother Mary Ellen (Steve) Conroy Bowhay of DuBois, Nebraska; siblings, Dustin (Danielle) Holthaus of Topeka and Corey (Rose) Holthaus of Topeka; her nieces and nephew, Cole, Ella, Lyla, Remy and Rhea; step-grandparents, Bob and Kathy Bowhay of DuBois, Nebraska; a step-sister, Brittany (Jessie) Strathman of Pawnee, Nebraska; and step-nieces and nephews, Amelia, Waylon, Cullen and Ada.

A rosary will be prayed at Lauer Funeral Home on Friday, March 14, 2025 at 7 P.M. at Lauer Funeral Home.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday morning, March 15, 2025 at 10:30 A.M.  at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Benedict.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Memorials will be designated at a later date.