Kathleen "Kay" Miller

Kay was born in her Grandpa Diemert’s house in Sanborn, ND on October 1, 1922 to Bill and Kate (Diemert) Sauer. The second of 9, she grew up on the farm in rural Barnes County during the Dust Bowl/Depression era of the 30’s and attended school in Valley City, Sanborn, and Eckleson; graduating from Eckleson High School.

Kay married Robert Miller on October 21, 1948. They enjoyed 46 years together raising their family, dancing, traveling, playing cards, attending their respective family reunions and Bob’s Navy reunions. Due to the nature of Bob’s job as a lineman, they lived in several communities in the Valley City and Jamestown areas. Bob’s transfer to a hydro maintenance foreman took them to Shasta Dam in California, Yellowtail Dam in Montana, and back to North Dakota to the Garrison Dam, where Bob eventually retired from.

Kay enjoyed crocheting and quilting. She made many afghans and quilts for her children and grandchildren. It was in retirement that Kay discovered her calling when she started volunteering at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Lewiston, ID, and continued at Mount Hood Medical Center in Gresham, OR for a combined total of almost 30 years. With the help of her children, she continued to travel to family reunions, trips to Hawaii, and her trip of a lifetime to Italy; visiting Rome, The Vatican, and Assisi. Kay lived a life of deep faith and gratitude. Her family and friends meant everything to her.

Kay is survived by her son and 3 daughters; Bill, Beth (Eric) Rasmussen of Phoenix, AZ, Mary (Jerry) Miller of Garrison, ND, Roberta (Bob) Cummings of Boring, OR, 5 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, brother Jerome (Kay) Sauer, sister Wilma Failing, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Kay was preceded in death by her husband Bob, parents, siblings; infant older brother Stanley, Joyce Iverson, Maurice Sauer, Jack Sauer, Sam Sauer, and Rosemary Meidinger.

The Mass for the Celebration of Kay’s life will be held at 11:00am on Thursday June 24, 2021 at St. Henry Catholic Church in Gresham, OR. Cremation has taken place and internment will be at the North Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery in Mandan, ND in the summer of 2022.

Memorials may be made to the North Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery at 1825 46th St. Mandan, ND 58554-9943, or to the American Cancer Society, or to any charitable organization of choice.

Arrangements entrusted to the Bateman Carroll Funeral Home in Gresham, OR. To share memories of Kay, and to sign the online guestbook, visit www.batemancarrollfunerals.com.