Sarah Margaret Elizabeth “Sarabeth” Miller, 99 of Kouts, living on the family farm by the Kankakee River, passed away Friday, July 3, 2026. She was born April 6, 1927 in Valparaiso, the daughter of the late Clayton E. and Eva (Noland) Reif. Sarabeth was a loving farm wife and mother who devoted her life caring for her family and community. As her children grew, she went back to school and earned her bachelor’s degree in 1972 from Valparaiso University and after she began teaching returned to Valparaiso University to earn her master’s degree in 1977. Sarabeth began teaching art at DeMotte Christian School in 1972 until 1976 when she started at Kankakee Valley Schools where she retired from in 2010. She was a member of the Kouts Presbyterian Church and was a 65 year 4-H Leader for the Kouts Pleasant Pioneers. Her love of family and community will be remembered and greatly missed by all her family and the lives she touched.
On December 2, 1945 in Valparaiso, Sarabeth married Lloyd Miller who preceded her in death on September 17, 2009. She is survived by her children, Virginia “Jinny” Pressel, John (Marleen) Miller, and Nola (Dale) Stewart; daughter-in-law, Kathy Miller; 17 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren; and 10 great-great grandchildren. Sarabeth was also preceded in death by her children, Shirley (Bill) Riley, Judy (Gary) Summa, and Steve Miller; two granddaughters; one great grandson; one great-great granddaughter; and siblings, Phillip and Joann Reif.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026 from 10:00-11:00 AM at Kosanke Funeral Home 309 S. Main Street, Kouts, with a Funeral Service beginning at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery, Kouts. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Porter County 4-H Purdue Extension.
GUESTBOOK
My condolences to the Family and Friends. I remember her at Balms Bridge during the summer digs, they had on the grounds. -Ed Kosanke
My condolences to the family. She and I graduated from KHS Class of 1945 and I remember her fondly. I’ve lived away from Kouts but we’ve touched base from time from time to time, mostly at Alumni events. Sadly, the end of an era, -Wilma Martin Reinke
It was a pleasure to work alongside Sarah with The Kankakee Valley Historical Society of which she served as Vice President. Sarah knew so many local families and history of the area. I remember at one of our events she instructed a group of us on making clay pots out of clay scooped from the river and we all really enjoyed making those. Such good times and great memories of Sarah! -Judy Judge
One of a kind. So special in so many ways. Working together with KVHS, enjoyed providing treats she loved. Such a legacy she created, an honor to have known Sara. Deepest heartfelt sympathy to the family. -Jill Riggs
Sarah was a loving, caring person! She was my 4-H leader and taught me so much! She will be so missed! -Jane Witkowski
Only good memories of my cousin and her family. Shirley and Judy were about the same age and we would greet each other when Boone Grove would play Kouts. Upon visiting from out of state my sisters and I drove down to Baum’s. Bridge to see Sarabeth at the archeological digs. Anita and I went to the Senior Luncheon at the church and saw Lewis and his mother. All of us are spread all over the country but could keep our memories of Porter County. -Janet Bearss Bowen
Our condolances to the Miller family. Sarah and I taught together at KV. We also traveled together to conferences during which she shared many family and 4-H stories. During her time at Oak Grove I visited as often as I could. We were both members of Who's Who with her being chosen to be published in a hard bound text. Sarah had grit and shared much dedication and caring with her students. May her family share her legacy. Much love Sarah. -Kathy McKinney
