Sara Roose DeMonbrun

Sara Roose DeMonbrun passed away peacefully at home on January 22, 2025 after a lengthy and courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease.  Sara was born in Chattanooga, TN on September 7, 1940 to Manley and Vivian Roose.

She attended the University of Alabama and was a proud member of the Million Dollar Band where she met her husband Cecil and enjoyed playing the snare drums and timpani (kettle drums).  She was always BAMA proud and enjoyed attending games when she could and watching the games on TV when she couldn’t.

Sara earned a BS degree from the University of South Alabama and a master’s degree from the University of West Florida.  She was a member of the Nu chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity.  (Yes, that’s correct – a fraternity.)

Sara began her teaching career in 1969 in the Mobile County (Alabama) School System and subsequently moved with her family to Fort Walton Beach in 1971 where she taught math at Pryor Middle (Junior High) School before moving across the street to Choctawhatchee High School in 1989.  She continued to teach math until 2005 and was fondly remembered by her students as Demerit DeMonbrun.

Sara was proud to have founded Save Our Cats and Kittens (SOCKS) in 1993 in Fort Walton Beach.  She was inspired to create the no-kill cat shelter after reading about an animal cruelty case in the local newspaper.  While forming SOCKS, she worked tirelessly to raise funds and enlist the help of like-minded individuals to assist in her efforts.  With the progression of her illness Sara could no longer be active with SOCKS, and after more than 25 years of ceaseless commitment to saving cats and kittens, she turned over her leadership to group of very dedicated individuals led by Nancy Schimmer, current Executive Director of Socks.

In 2011, Sara was recognized for her leadership by the National Association of Professional Women.  In 2016, she was honored by the Okaloosa County Commission on Women and her name was added to their Wall of Fame in recognition of her contributions to the local area and her tireless efforts to improve the lives of cats.

Sara is survived by her husband of 64 years, Cecil DeMonbrun; son Tom DeMonbrun and his wife Nancy; daughter Donna DeMonbrun Sincox and her husband Tony Sincox; granddaughters Emily DeMonbrun Mckinney and Ali DeMonbrun; grandson David DeMonbrun, his wife Katie and great grandchildren Savy and Kes DeMonbrun; and sister-in-law Helen Roose. She is also survived by her brother Ted Roose and his wife Donna; nieces Bethany Roose and Leigh (Will) Wheeler; nephew Tad Roose, his wife Gina, and their children Will and Laura; and nephew Rob Roose.  Sara was predeceased by her parents, Manley and Vivian Roose, and brother Allyn Roose.

The family wishes to thank the caregivers from Vitas Hospice and Visiting You Senior Home Care for their love and attention to Sara’s needs.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in Sara’s name may be made to SOCKS (Save Our Cats and Kittens) Fort Walton Beach, Fl. or Resurrection Anglican Church, Shalimar, FL.