Rev. Sara A. Fetty

Rev. Sara A. Fetty, 89, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on January 12, 2025.  She was born August 25, 1935, in Austin, MN to Melvin and Irene Lagervall. After graduating from Austin High School, Sara went on to receive an associate’s degree from Minnesota Bible College, Minneapolis, MN. She married Reverend Stanley Melton, who served churches in Minnesota, Indiana and Michigan where Sara was active as a minister’s wife. Three children, Scott, Susan and Stacy, were born to Sara and Stan. She was widowed in 1966 when Stan was killed in a boating accident at Crystal Lake, Michigan.

Returning to Minnesota after Stan’s death, she earned an associate’s degree at Austin State College, after which she attended Bethel College in Saint Paul, MN and then married the Rev. Maurice A. Fetty, a widower with three small children, Elizabeth, Cynthia and Ellen. Maurice completed his service at the Colonial (Congregational) Church of Edina, Minneapolis, MN and in 1972 the family moved to Maurice’s new pastorate of the Mayflower Congregational Church in Grand Rapids, MI.  After raising six children, Sara continued her education, graduating from Aquinas College with a BA degree in Psychology and from Calvin Theological Seminary with a Master of Church Education Degree. She served four years as Assistant Chaplain at the Pine Rest Christian Psychiatric Hospital. In January of 1988, she was ordained into the Christian ministry at Mayflower Congregational Church. In addition to writing plays, devotionals, preaching and teaching, and leading a variety of retreats, she served on denominational committees and on community organizations. 

In 1988, Sara and Maurice moved to Long Island, New York, where Maurice became Senior Minister of the Congregational Church of Manhasset (UCC) and Sara, in 1990, became the Associate Minister of the Garden City Community Church (UCC) until her retirement in 2000. After Maurice's retirement in 2001, they returned to Grand Rapids and Maurice became Interim Senior Minister of Park Congregational Church, 2001 to 2005. During their years at Park, from 2001 until recent times, Sara hosted numerous Park Church Women's Retreats, and many other Park Church and community events at their Grand Rapids home.

Sara was an avid reader, loved the theater and music, was a member of numerous book clubs and organizations. Ever patient and kind to others, Sara profoundly touched the lives of many with her love and grace.  She had many talents ranging from painting to singing and playing the piano and viola.  She often played the piano accompanying her children singing in harmony at church performances and plays.  She was also an excellent seamstress sewing many daughter’s prom dresses and bridesmaid’s dresses. Many enjoyed her excellent cooking and her warm, friendly hospitality, especially at the annual family reunions.

Sara and Maurice led many tour groups all over the world on 6 of the 7 continents, and 12 theater tours to London, England. Sara is survived by Maurice, her husband of 56 years, and by son Scott (Betsy) Melton, daughters Susan (Louis) Jannetty, Elizabeth (David) Bayat, Stacy (Scott) Montgomery, Cynthia (Bill Haydock) Fetty and Ellen Fetty. She and Maurice have 14 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren with number 11 on the way. She is also survived by two younger sisters, Nancy Plath and Sonja Thiel.

A memorial service will be held 11am on Saturday, January 25 at Park Congregational Church, 10 E. Park Place NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.  The family will greet friends Friday, January 24 from 3 to 6pm at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home 4291 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Memorial contributions may be made to the Reverend Maurice A. Fetty and the Reverend Sara A. Fetty Scholarship Fund of Park Congregational Church, or to the charity of your choice.

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