Sarah Milne

Thoughtful, generous, and caring, Sarah Milne lived a life rich in family and friends. With a larger-than-life personality and a big heart, when Sarah entered a room, people noticed. She radiated joy and never hesitated to give of her time, talents and opinions. A big picture person, Sarah's vivacious spirit proved an inspiration for all who were lucky to share time with her. She welcomed each day as a gift and every person as a friend, reflecting love, gratitude, and confidence in every moment. A powerful role model for how to live a full and whole-hearted life, Sarah will long be remembered and ever so missed.

Sarah was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan January 4, 1935 to Abe and Gertrude deMink. Her childhood included the joys of having a large, close-knit extended family that enjoyed spending time together. The family’s home was always filled with tomfoolery. Along with her siblings, Phyllis, Gerald, Larry, and Brom, Sarah enjoyed spending a lot of time with her aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents.

Sarah attended the Kalamazoo Public Schools and graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School. She continued her education at Western Michigan University while working as a proofreader for her father at Intertype Setting.

Though her two older brothers tried very hard to discourage any type of advances toward Sarah from boys, while in college, she met her first husband, Richard Milne. The couple married on December 18, 1954, and welcomed four children to their family Beth, John, Meg, and Matthew.

Sarah enjoyed loving and bossing around her much, much younger brother, Brom. The pair formed a close and strong bond that continued through adulthood.

Sarah was known as an outgoing, hardworking and respected teacher. A lifelong learner, Sarah welcomed challenges and never hesitated to grow and learn. As an educator, she welcomed the challenges at every level in her field. Sarah embraced change with courage and confidence.

Sarah was involved in her community in many ways. She was a member of The Ladies Aides Craft Society, a volunteer family mentor at the Department of Social Services, a member of the Comstock Community Center Board and volunteer, and a Girl Scout leader. Sarah also served on the Kalamazoo Township Planning Commission and Kalamazoo Township Board of Assessors. Her energy, passion, and time supporting The Boys and Girls Club played an integral part in making a positive difference for many young people in Kalamazoo.

Fondly known as The Queen of Galivanting, Sarah was always up for any adventure. Whether reading, playing bridge, or traveling the world, Sarah led with her heart and embraced each moment to the fullest. She never declined an invitation to a celebration, passed up a sale, or let the facts get in the way of a good story. For all who knew her, life was always better for being in her company.

Family was very important to Sarah, she cared for them with unwavering commitment and love. As a mother, she was creative, energetic and particularly skilled at delegating work that she did not enjoy doing. Family celebrations meant the world to her. Christmas was her favorite holiday because it gave her an excuse to shop not just during the season, but every day of the year!

Sarah was also a caretaker to several of her family members. She spent time at home, in the hospital, and at nursing homes with her loved ones, always making them feel valued, and loved.

Regardless of life’s challenges, Sarah believed in being kind, helping others, and enjoying life. In these same ways, those she loved best will carry her legacy forward and keep her beautiful spirit alive.

Sarah Milne, age 87, of Kalamazoo, died on Wednesday, July 20, 2022. Members of her family include her children: Beth (Jim) Moeller, John (Jodi) Milne, Meg Kuchek, and Matthew (Christian Giordano) Milne; grandchildren: Nick (Ashley) Moeller, Alex Milne, and Emily Milne; and a daughter-in-law, Cindy Anderson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Milne; a son-in-law, Steven Kuchek; her brothers: Brom deMink, Larry deMink, and Gerald deMink; a sister, Phyllis Cunningham; and a son, Christopher Anderson. Life Story Services will be held at 3 PM on Wednesday, July 27, at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A reception will follow the services. Visit Sarah’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories and photos and sign her guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to the Comstock Community Center.