Sarah Beth Lovan Baldridge

Sarah Beth Lovan Baldridge, 69, went home to be with the Lord on May 22, 2026, at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. Sarah was born on February 2, 1957, in Owensboro, Kentucky, to the late Alfred and Lena Lovan. She graduated from Murray State University with a degree in Special Education and taught for several years in Kentucky.

In 1982, she married Dave Baldridge. Following Dave’s graduation from seminary and ordination in the United Methodist Church, they moved to Florida, where they faithfully served together in ministry for 35 years. Throughout those years, Sarah poured herself into the lives of others by leading women’s Bible studies, teaching the Disciple I Bible Study series, speaking at women’s retreats and Minister Mates gatherings, teaching Sunday School classes, and developing special needs Sunday School programs.

After retirement in 2021, Dave and Sarah moved back to her hometown of Owensboro, KY. Sarah became a member at Third Baptist Church, the same church she grew up in.

Sarah was known for her constant smile, contagious laugh, and the genuine love she showed to everyone she met. She was an avid University of Kentucky fan, and while in the hospital she received a special video message and prayers from Wildcat basketball coach Mark Pope and former UK player Jeff Sheppard — a moment that meant so much to her and her family.

In addition to her parents, Sarah was preceded in death by her brother, Ken Lovan.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 44 years, Dave Baldridge and her three children: Ben Baldridge and his wife Joanna of Pauline, South Carolina, Jenny Knott and her husband Rev. Jason Knott of Dunedin, Florida and Andy Baldridge of Duncan, South Carolina. Nothing brought Sarah more joy than being “YaYa” to her six grandchildren: Bailey, Bo, Banks and Beckett Baldridge of Pauline, South Carolina, and Micah and Eli Knott of Dunedin, Florida. She is also survived by her brother, Ron Lovan and his wife Susan of Lakewood, Colorado; nephews and a niece; along with many beloved cousins from both the Lovan and Best families; and countless cherished friends who became family over the years.

A service of celebration and worship will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, June 13 at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory where visitation will be from 12:00 until 1:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made specifically to the Bone Marrow Transplant Department at Moffitt Cancer Center, https://fundraise.moffitt.org/give/524677/#!/donation/checkout (choose Bone Marrow Transplant Research). You will also have opportunity to donate by check at the service.

Memories and condolences for the family may be offered at www.glenncares.com