ELKHART -- Sarah Josephine Staley, 77, of Elkhart, died at 5:45 a.m. Saturday at home.

She was born Aug. 14, 1932, in Elkhart to Zirn R. and Wilda (Cramer) Staley.

She is survived by her half-sister, Judy (Larry) Davis of Elkhart and special friend and caregiver Gloria Skipworth of Elkhart.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, James R. Staley, who died Jan. 19, 2009.

Ms. Staley was a telephone operator for more than 26 years, first working for General Telephone and retiring from Verizon around 1976. She was a graduate of Elkhart High School and was an avid reader and animal lover. She loved her dogs, Brandy, Mo and Abbey.

There will be no visitation. A private graveside service and interment will be at Rice Cemetery.

Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, is handling the arrangements.

Memorials may be given to the Humane Society of Elkhart County.