Sara “Selva” Nicole Shank

Sara “Selva” Nicole Shank, 21, Hays KS, passed away Sunday, December 28, 2025, in Lindsborg, Kansas.

Selva was born June 21, 2004, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, the daughter of Bart River and Jenna Shank. She lived in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, until she was 12 when her family moved to Kansas. Selva attended Triplains Middle and High school in Winona, Kansas, before settling in Hays, Kansas where she graduated with the class of 2022, from Hays High School. While in school in Hays, she worked as a waitress. After high school, she moved to Grand Island, Nebraska where she worked in the family business. She later moved to Ohio where she explored various career paths.

Selva, as she was affectionately known, was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. She loved to travel, meet new people and experience new places. She delighted in fun activities and maintained a love of adventure and learning throughout her life. She loved to read, play volleyball and spend time with her siblings. She deeply loved her family and friends. She cherished her friendships, developing them at each stage of her life. She had a creative mind and loved to learn new things.

She was always kind, compassionate and would help anyone along the way. Selva was incredibly intelligent and had a talent for picking up knowledge and applying it to her life and work. Those who knew Selva will remember her for her infectious smile and overwhelming laughter. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends and many more whose lives were touched by her. We ask that you remember her for the way her life was lived and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Selva was preceded in death by Grandfather Luke Stricker and Grandmother Martha Shank. Surviving family includes parents Jenna Shank and Bart River; sister Judy Shank and brothers Naphtali River, Joel River, Sammy Ligon and Callister Stricker; grandparents Glen Shank, Abilene, KS and Suzy and Galen Norby, Olathe, KS, all of whom will never forget the love she brought into their lives.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 23, 2026, at Pohlman-Varner- Peeler Mortuary in Russell, KS. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Pohlman- Varner-Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who are overseeing the arrangements.