Sara Lou Van Luven

Boonville - Sara Lou Van Luven, 73, widow of Kenneth B., a longtime resident of Main St., passed away after an extended illness, on Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at Sunset Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Boonville. She was born in Boonville, on September 7, 1939, the only child of Lewis E. and Catherine McPhilmey Hines. She grew up in Boonville, and graduated from Boonville High School with the Class of 1957. Thereafter she attended Utica School of Beauty Culture, graduating with the Class of 1959. In 1959, she established Sara Lou's Beauty Shop on Main St. in Boonville. Her career as a licensed beautician lasted for a total of 52 years, until she retired in 2011. On September 27, 1979, Sara Lou was married to Kenneth B. Van Luven, at the First Baptist Church of Boonville. Mr. Van Luven, a veteran of WWII, and a retired trucker, died on September 4, 2009. Sara Lou was a member of the First Baptist Church of Boonville and a member and past officer of Charles J. Love Post # 406 American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Boonville. She was a well known avid bowler who began her bowling career in the 10 Pin Bowling League and on the Victory Market Bowling Team, where she bowled with her mother. She also bowled for several years on the Hi-Lo Bowling League all at the Boonville Bowl. Sara Lou was a charter member of the National 600 Bowling Club. Later she enjoyed playing golf in the Wednesday Nite League at Country Side Golf Course of Boonville. She was an avid Pitch player who participated in several pitch leagues. She was also an avid N.Y. Yankee Fan, and fan of the Syracuse University Orangemen Basketball Team. For forty five years Sara Lou served as a volunteer at the annual Woodsman's Field Days of Boonville, where she was chairperson of the Admissions Committee; for many years she served on the Woodsman's Field Days Board of Directors. She also was a ticket seller at the Boonville Oneida Co. Fair, and at the original Snow Festival. She and her husband, Ken, were longtime fans and supporters of the Charles J. Love Post American Legion Baseball Team, and of the BYAA Ball Park, in Boonville. Sara Lou is survived by her two beloved sons, Craig R. (Bambi) Freeman, Steven T. (Michelle) Freeman, all of Boonville; six grandchildren, Jeremy M., Sharee L. Jake C.R. Freeman, David J. Humphries, Addison L. and Callie H. Freeman; step children, Roger Van Luven, Patricia Griffin, Pamela (Fred) Ricci, Kim Van Luven, Tracy (Neil) Austin, several step grandchildren and step great grandchildren, a close cousin Barbara Sykes and many friends. Her family wishes to extend a note of sincere thanks and appreciation to the staff of Sunset Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the kind and compassionate care they gave to Sara Lou. Her Funeral will be Monday at 10:00 A.M. at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville, with interment to follow in Boonville Cemetery. Calling hours are Sunday 2-7 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Charles J. Love Post American Legion #406 Baseball Fund C/O 124 East Schuyler St. Boonville, NY or to Boonville Youth Athletic Association (BYAA) C/O P.O. Box 412 Boonville, NY 13309. For an online message of sympathy, or to share a memory of Sara Lou, please go to www.trainorfuneralhome.com