Berea, KY — Sarah Elizabeth Speciale, 91, formerly of Atlanta, IL, passed away on Friday, July 12, 2024 at Berea Health & Rehab in Berea, KY.
*** A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. at the Atlanta Christian Church. Mr. Maurice Stribling will officiate. Cremation Rites have been accorded. ***
Sarah Elizabeth Miller was born June 9, 1933, in Mt. Hope Township, McLean County, IL, the daughter of Euless and Edith Pech Miller. She was married to Thomas A. Speciale for 61 years.
Sarah is survived by two daughters: Sarah Beth (Scott) Peddicord (Richmond, KY) and Suzanne (Chuck) Melchin (Exeter, NH); one granddaughter, Lydia Peddicord; two sisters: Shirley Aper (Lincoln, IL) and JoAnn Hill (Grand Junction, CO).
She was preceded in death by her husband Tom (2018), and three brothers: Lyle, Robert, and John Miller.
Sarah was a 1951 graduate of Hittle Township High School in Armington. She spent a few years working at State Farm as an executive secretary prior to going to cosmetology school. She then worked as a beautician for over 50 years. She owned her own business, the Modernette Beauty Shoppe, which started in downtown Atlanta before moving to her home.
Sarah was an active member in the community her entire life. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Atlanta Christian Church, and Atlanta Fall Festival Committee. She was active in the Rural Letter Carrier Association Auxiliary. When the girls were young, Sarah was involved in their after-school activities.
Memorials may be made to Atlanta Christian Church Organ Fund, Atlanta Public Library, or Atlanta Flower Buds.
Final arrangements are entrusted with Quiram-Peasley Funeral Home of Atlanta.