Sabitra Devi Shrestha, aged 85, of Rogers, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2024. Born on February 22, 1939, in the small village of Tilkeni, Nepal, Sabitra lived a life marked by faith, love, and resilience.

Sabitra was a cherished member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, where her warm spirit and unwavering dedication were felt by everyone she met. She was known for her affectionate greetings, always ready with a hug and a smile, and for her genuine interest in the well-being of others. Despite language differences, Sabitra's kindness transcended barriers, and her love spoke louder than words. She was a true embodiment of her faith, often seen in quiet prayer, asking for blessings for her friends and family.

Her passion for the Bible was evident in all aspects of her life. Sabitra often gathered her children and relatives, both near and far, encouraging them to engage in spiritual discussions and reflect on scripture. Her memory was sharp, never forgetting the passages she assigned for study, and her commitment to sharing God's word was unwavering. Even in her later years, she returned to Nepal with a fiery zeal for preaching, inspiring others with her enthusiasm. She set a powerful example, prompting those in her congregation to say, "If Sabitra can preach with such energy at her age, surely we can too."

Beyond her spiritual pursuits, Sabitra was a skilled cook and gardener, known for her delicious meals and her vibrant garden in Arkansas, which flourished under her care. She enjoyed sharing her culinary expertise, teaching others to cook traditional Nepali dishes, and taking pride in growing vegetables like saag, tomatoes, and okra. Sabitra also embraced nature with a sense of adventure, enjoying activities like camping, riding 4-wheelers, and even paragliding—a testament to her zest for life.

Sabitra's life was filled with gratitude and positivity. She had a remarkable ability to find joy in every interaction, always expressing thanks to those around her, whether they were nurses, doctors, or friends. Her kindness and optimism left a lasting impression on everyone she met, both in Arkansas and Nepal. Sabitra was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jagat Bahadur Shrestha, and her daughter, Muna Shrestha.

She is survived by her children, Hima, Govinda, Kishor, Sita, Rekha, and Narayan; fifteen grandchildren, Ananta, Suman, Prince, Ashish, Yakub, Aviraj, Avishek, Naomi, Michael, Prisca, Nathan, Davidson, Matthias, Noel, and Serene; one great-grandchild, Christina. Her family will forever cherish her memory and the life lessons she imparted.

Her favorite scripture, John 5:28, 29, reflects the hope she held close to her heart: "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life..."

A memorial service to celebrate Sabitra's life will be at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 1818 S. 13th St, Rogers, Arkansas.

Sabitra Devi Shrestha's legacy of love, faith, and service will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to inspire all who carry forward her memory.