Sarah J. Ellenbolt
January 2, 1979 – May 2, 2025
With heavy hearts and deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Sarah J. Ellenbolt, who left this world on May 2, 2025, at the age of 46. Born on January 2, 1979, in Madison, Wisconsin, Sarah was the beloved daughter of Gary and Bonnie Ellenbolt.
Sarah’s journey through life was marked by compassion, curiosity, and an undeniable will for living. She was a proud graduate of Vel Phillips Memorial High School and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree from Upper Iowa University. Sarah built a career she was proud of as a Project Coordinator with the University of Wisconsin Foundation, where her dedication, thoughtfulness, and leadership left a lasting impact.
To know Sarah was to know a woman full of vibrant energy and spontaneous joy. She had an adventurous spirit — always ready for a road trip, a hearty laugh, or a shopping spree (which she lovingly elevated to an art form). But her heart was always turned outward: she found joy in giving — not just to those she loved, but to strangers, neighbors, and anyone in need. She gave without hesitation and loved without condition.
In 1999, Sarah met the love of her life, Antonio Hoye Sr. Together, they built a life grounded in deep affection and mutual respect, raising resilient, beautiful children: Shequila Hoye, Tierra Kimbrew, Kashden Hoye, and Brycen Hoye. Sarah was a devoted mother, instilling in her children values of kindness, strength, and family. She was also a proud and doting grandmother to Rylan, Rexley, Ramzi, and Raziel.
Sarah is lovely survived by her children and grandchildren; Antonio Hoye Sr.; her mother, Bonnie Lincicum; and her brothers, Gary and Travis Ellenbolt, Roshelle Rucker, Nia, Antonio Jr. and Arianna Hoye. She is further survived by countless extended family members and dear friends who were touched by her warmth and generosity.
She now joins in peace her father, Gary Ellenbolt, her grandparents Kenneth and Clara (Pedretti) Lincicum, and lastly her precious daughter, Giana Yvonne Hoye.
A visitation in Sarah’s honor will be held on Thursday, May 15, at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Rd., from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.. A time of shared memories will begin at 2:00 p.m. Guests are invited to bring a story to share — a tribute to the laughter, love, and light that Sarah brought into every life she touched.
Sarah’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her — in every kind act, every spontaneous adventure, and every warm smile shared in her name.
Thursday, May 15, 2025
12:00 - 2:00 pm (Central time)
Cress Funeral & Cremation Service - Madison - West
Thursday, May 15, 2025
2:00 - 3:00 pm (Central time)
Cress Funeral & Cremation Service - Madison - West
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