Sara Louise Ziliak

Sara Louise Ziliak passed away, surrounded by family, at the age of 84 on January 4, 2026. Sara was predeceased by her husband, Stephen A. Ziliak, parents, Numa “Bud” Williams and Mildred Williams and Son-in-law Gregory Mills. She is survived by a daughter Shelley L. Mills, son Stephen Neal Ziliak, Daughter-in-Law Angela Ziliak (Macabee), Grandchildren Ashley Mills-Cook, Gabriella Raabe (Mills), Hannah Ziliak, Benjamin Ziliak, and Samuel Ziliak. Also surviving are her sister Kay Hodges and Kay’s husband Ernie Hodges of Woodland, CA. She has one Great-Grandchild August Cook. Sara married Stephen A. Ziliak in 1963, and they remained together until his death in June of 2005. Sara enjoyed being a mother and grandmother and was always there for her children and grandkids. She excelled in many areas, but none more than being a loving mother and grandmother.

Sara was born in Evansville, Indiana. Following her graduation from Mater Dei High School, Sara received an Undergraduate and Master’s Degree from the University of Evansville as well as a Doctorate from Indiana State University. She spent her entire professional career as a teacher in the Catholic Diocese of Evansville, both as an Elementary Teacher and as a principal until her retirement in 2010. After retirement she moved to Indianapolis to be closer to her family and continued to work as a Teacher’s Assistant at St. Thomas Aquinas School.

Music played an important role in Sara’s life. At St. John the Baptist Church she played the guitar and sang at mass for two decades. She taught music both as an elementary teacher and after becoming a principal. Additionally, Sara performed for many years with the Sweet Adelines in singing competitions throughout the Midwest. During her last years she was an enthusiastic member of the Choir at Traditions at North Willow, last performing at this year’s Christmas show. Sara was also a member of the Traditions Wi Bowling National Championship team.

There will be a visitation at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday January 10, 2026, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church (4600 Kenwood Avenue, Indianapolis, IN) followed by a Mass beginning at 11:00 a.m. There will be no Cemetery Service. In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to Boulevard Place Pantry. Visit svdpindy.org to donate.