Miller, Sarah (Sadie) Byler (1888-1971)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1971 Dec 2 p. 11

Birth date: 1888 May 30

text of obituary:

SARAH B. MILLER

Mrs. Sarah (Sadie) B. Miller was born at Belleville, Pa. on May 30, 1888, the daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Joseph H. Byler.

After graduating from high school she taught in a district school but soon thereafter felt that she should become engaged in active Christian service and joined her brother, Rev. John I. Byler, then superintendent of an institutional mission in Youngstown, Ohio. When her brother was transferred to a Mennonite mission in Toronto, Canada she aided him in this work and at the same time attended Toronto Bible College. At the graduation exercises she and a male student were extended the honor of delivering an academic appreciation address.

Later Mrs. Miller earned a B. A. degree from Goshen College, where she met and married Rev. Louis L. Miller. Both attended the University of Chicago and Chicago Theological Seminary.

She with her husband served Mennonite churches at Barville, Pa., Wayland and Noble, Iowa, and Wadsworth, Ohio. Later the served three United Church of Christ parishes in Brewer, Maine; Marshall, Ill. (where she was a paid director of religious education); and Sierra Vista, Ariz. There was an interval in which she, with her husband, was a field speaker for a United Church organization, then called the Temperance League of Illinois.

Surviving are a daughter, Betty of Chicago; a daughter-in-law, Marilyn Netzel of Chicago; her husband, Rev. Miller; and one sister, Mrs. Naomi Yoder of Belleville, Pa.

A memorial service for many friends was held Sept. 30 at the Moore Funeral Home, Phoenix, where Dr. Shelby Lee officiated. The body was then sent to Bloomington, Ill. where, on Oct. 9, a graveside eulogy was presented by Dr. Harold R. Martin, former moderator of the United Presbyterian church and close friend of the Millers. The eulogy follows:

"I count it a privilege to stand by my good friend, Louis Miller, at a time when he has suffered such a serious and sad loss in the death of his sainted wife, Sarah.

"I have known this couple for many years and I am glad to report that Mrs. Miller was a glorious witness to a faith that was strong and vigorous. What a record she left! The Lord had His hand on her early life. She was marked by brilliance and high educational standards.

"Beginning as valedictorian of her high school class, she was called later to teach history in the American School of Correspondence near the campus of the University of Chicago where she attended. She found time during her days at the University to teach at two mission Sunday schools in a slum district. Along with her learning and teaching she was a dedicated Christian.

"Reared in the home of a minister, she absorbed the graces and tolerance that is so often developed in such a home.  As a minister's wife she was most beloved and honored.  On occasion when her husband was unable to fill his pulpit, she preached most acceptably.

"Love, unselfishness, and joy marked her life, together with complete faithfulness as a disciple of our Lord. Her dynamic spirit and personality sprinkled generously with humor drew people not only to her but to her Lord. To quote what the pastor in Phoenix said at her service there, 'Over the years she was known as a missionary, teacher, minister's wife and servant of God.' She left the great deposit that the Apostle Paul speaks of: 'Faith, hope love; these three, but the greatest of these is love.'

"May God grant peace and strong faith to the loved ones in the days and years ahead. The memory of Sarah Miller will not fade. it will glow with time, and we rejoice that God has claimed another of His saints."