April 17, 1987 ~ Aug. 19, 2025
Sarah Tenae Kawcak Newtson was born in Craig, Colorado, on April 17, 1987, to Frank and Reneta Kawcak. Some of Sarah’s earliest memories were picking peas in the garden, riding horses through the field, and tending cows and sheep at the Levkulich place. It was there that Sarah’s dreams began to take shape. She learned to ride her first horse and fall in love with a loyal dog. She was tenacious and strong, even in her youth. She always sought a worthy challenge, a meaningful project and aimed high in every endeavor.
When Sarah was old enough to join 4-H, she knew one project would not be enough. Determined and driven, she raised her animals with persistent independence. Sarah also participated in leathercraft and studied plants in her home state. She used both of these skill sets for many years. Sarah never shied away from a challenge, often seeking solutions to problems for herself, family, and friends.
At 12, Sarah was given her mare Boone and a colt named Sunny. From that point on, she was forever changed. Her love for horses flourished. She hitched rides to the ranch early each morning to work with them. Horses became her calling, her passion, her love. She cultivated her talent tirelessly, day in and day out.
Sarah’s interests in ranching and horsemanship grew under her parents’ guidance. When Frank and Reneta began to build west of Craig, Sarah was Grandpa Dan’s right hand. They were a team, always learning, building, and sometimes finagling. She spoke affectionately of him always, and he adored her just as much.
As Sarah entered high school, her dreams and ambitions leveled up. Frank and Reneta did all they could to keep pace. Her drive to join, lead, and take part in many interests inspired those around her. Once she set her mind on a goal, she achieved it with focus and determination. With this mindset, she served as an active leader in 4-H and FFA, including Elkhead Wranglers Club President, 4-H Junior Leader and Fair Royalty.
Sarah played a crucial role in building the family ranch. She also worked as a waitress, cared for animals, went to school, and was active in FFA. She was a member of the FFA meat judging team that competed nationally. Sarah sought every opportunity to serve others, often spearheading ideas into action. She was fierce and headstrong, but intentional and effective. These were the years Sarah was happiest.
Sarah enrolled at Oklahoma State University in the Fall of 2005 with a focus on animal science. She joined the Oklahoma State FIT program, immersed herself in college life, and joined multiple clubs. In 2007, she became a member of the OSU horse judging team. From 2008-2010, she served as assistant coach. After graduating with her Bachelor’s of Science, she directed her education toward equine nutrition. During graduate studies, she was a Teaching Assistant to Dr. Cooper for Equine Science and Training classes, and was highly involved in the OSU Equine Center. She bred and foaled her dear Spike, who will carry her boots today for her final ride.
While home from college in the summers, Sarah fondly worked at the Marvine Ranch as a hand. With this rare opportunity, she embraced all her passions at once. Riding her horses and dogs through God’s beautiful country daily fed her soul. From those defining moments, Sarah knew she would forever work on a ranch, with her dogs and horses beside her.
Ranching was what Sarah loved most. She worked on various ranches throughout Colorado and Wyoming. Sarah made friends everywhere she went and always tried to help people. Her quick wit, sarcastic flare, and loving personality could put a smile on anyone’s face. If you didn’t grin, she teased until you laughed. Ranching was hard work, but Sarah made sure there was fun along the way. Springtime brought new life that touched Sarah’s heart. She loved seeing the baby calves and spotting elk before anyone else. “Look!! Wapiti!!!”
Sarah worked hard at everything she did, sometimes until told to go home. She loved learning about plants and their uses to help people and animals. Her passion for horses flourished all her life. In 2021, Sarah started taking classes in Equine Body Work to help horses on a deeper level.
Whether through leatherwork, sewing, beading, or even baking, Sarah always had a project in mind and a person to gift it to. She held a rare standard for every handmade gift, planning each with deep thoughtfulness.
Sarah and Cody met at a branding in Horse Creek, Wyoming, on June 11, 2021, while she was working for the Grizzly Ranch in Walden, Colorado. One year later, they were married on June 11, 2022. Afterward, they started work on a ranch in Montrose, Colorado. Sarah loved the mountains and deserts equally, and this ranch had both. For their honeymoon, Sarah and Cody took a pack trip into the San Juan Mountain wilderness, where Sarah felt at home climbing rocks and riding Daisy Donkey. Together, they managed a BLM winter grazing permit near Cisco, Utah, during the winter of 2022/2023. Sarah found solace riding in the desert country, where she felt closest to God.
Cody was the true love of Sarah’s life. They were inseparable—moving cattle, exploring country, chasing lizards, or traveling with their trailer load of dogs. It was rare that Cody had a phone call without Sarah on the line too. They were a support for each other through life’s heaviest hits.
Sarah always did her best to help family. After Frank’s accident in July 2024, she committed to doing all she could. Sarah and Cody moved to Craig in December 2024 to help her parents heal and move forward.
Sarah will forever be known as “Aunt Dodo,” the beloved nickname given by her nieces and nephews. They were spoiled by her affection and impeccable ability to teach. Her gift for instructing horse riding came effortlessly, no matter the age or level of her pupils. Her favorite students were the ones who called her “Aunt Sarah” or “Aunt Dodo.”
Sarah was an ‘old soul.’ She enjoyed waking up to cribbage over hot tea, snowy evenings with puzzles, or rummy games with Cody.
Sarah always loved with her whole heart. She was fearless in everything, and she fearlessly loved. She loved her animals, her family, her friends, and God’s beautiful country.
A celebration of Sarah’s life was held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, at the Anson’s ranch in Craig. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in Sarah’s memory to the Moffat County 4-H Foundation in care of Grant Mortuary, 621 Yampa Avenue, Craig, Colorado 81625.
