Sarah Grace (Staci) Ramos, a loving wife, daughter, sister, and aunt, as well as an attorney at law, a judge and certified spiritual adviser, passed away Saturday, September 18, after a short battle with cancer. She was 68.

Sarah was born on October 15, 1953, to parents Harry Lee Short and Carolyn Ann (Collier) Short, in Tahoka, Texas. Much of Sarah's character, integrity, spiritual growth, and love for the environment were formed at a young age in that small cotton-farming town. She was a 4th generation cotton landowner.

After graduating from Tahoka High School in 1972, Sarah obtained a B.S. degree in education from the University of Mary Hardin Baylor, then taught several years in the Belton and Killen schools.

In 1981, she graduated from Baylor University School of Law and moved the next year to Austin where she spent the majority of her career working for the state of Texas, retiring as administrative law judge in the State Office of Administrative Hearings.

Sarah was a member of many professional law organizations and was well sought after as a speaker. Once retired, Sarah graduated with a Master's Degree in Theology from St. Mary's University.

A member of St. Teresa's Catholic Church in Austin, she loved singing in the choir and was also a member of the Masterworks Singers, she loved her parish. She traveled throughout Europe, with her choir family, singing at the Vatican and other venues throughout Europe and the Baltic States.

Sarah began teaching at the Institute for Spiritual Direction of the Diocese of Austin. She also became Co-Director of the Institute. Participating in a Spiritual Direction Peer Group allowed her to form deep connections and make wonderful friends.

Sarah loved God with her whole being. She did much to reflect His light to others.

Her many nieces and nephews knew her as the aunt who never failed to send a birthday card with a note of encouragement. She loved them all deeply and enjoyed any moments spent with them.

Her sisters and brother looked to her for direction and advice and always felt peace and love in her presence. Her friends knew the selflessness and kindness that set her apart. She was always on the search for the perfect specific gift for each person. She loved and was truly loved by many friends.

Her husband, Gilberto Ramos, will miss the nightly 10 p.m. prayers that occurred between them, no matter the distance.

They enjoyed visiting family, traveling, gardening, and walking Charlie and Cocoa.

Sarah was preceded in death by her father Harry Lee Short; mother, Carolyn Collier; stepmother, Linda Bach; and sister, Salena Short.

She is survived by her husband Gilberto Ramos of Austin; brother Bert Short and wife Paulette of Kingston, OK; sisters Sheri Short of Waxahachie; Stephani and Norm Block of Knoxville, TN; Sharla Short of Encinitas, CA; Shelli Cleveland of Spring, TX; Susan and husband Mark Weldon of Kingwood, TX; Veronica Ramos of Harlingen, TX; a bonus sister, Shannon Garonzik of Argyle, TX; and stepdad Jerry Bach of Kingston, OK.

A Memorial Service will be held 10:00am, Monday, October 10, at St. Theresa of Lisieux Catholic Church, 4311 Small Dr. Austin, 78731. There will be a reception for family and friends following the service.