Bobette Miller

Bobette Miller, age 90, of La Porte passed away on September 30th, 2026, at Trail Creek Place in Michigan City with end-of-life care through Dunes Hospice. She was born in La Porte, Indiana on May 25, 1936, to Robert and Martha (Hough) Strieter.

On April 6, 1957, in La Porte, Indiana she married John Louis "Jack" Miller, who preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death was her favorite child, son, Christopher Jon Miller; parents, Robert and Martha Strieter; siblings, Kent, Patty, Marlene and Diane; and adopted cousin/sister Karol.

Surviving Bobette are her children, Catherine Saliwanchik and Carolyn (Brian) Garwood; grandchildren, Amber MacDonald and Hunter Saliwanchik; brother, Bob "Utch" (Darkiss) Strieter, all of La Porte; as well as "adopted" cousin/sister, Kathy (Tom) Francoletti of Florida; and several nieces and nephews.

Bobette was a unique name! To make it more unique, she was given no middle name. Her children regularly teased her, as well as her husband, that she was Bobette "nothing" Miller and yet everyone loved the name which fit her perfectly.

While she may have been called a housewife or a stay-at-home mom for most of her life... the truth is that Bobette was incredibly brave and busy. She did things outside of the box compared to most "housewives" of the day. Sure, she could cook an incredible meal, and she could make you a prom dress that outdid every prom dress at an expensive store; but she was also willing to drive you into downtown Chicago to an amusement park, to the airport, to see the Field Museum, Brookfield or Lincoln Park Zoo, or the Shedd Aquarium.

She traveled the country with her husband, Jack, before they decided to add kids to the picture. Even after that, they still traveled. Jack would leave on a business trip, and Bobette would say the kids and I are coming with. The years of roadside motels, the childhood visits to Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, NBC Studios, Beverly Hills, and Bobette chasing down Johnny Carson... not to ask for an autograph, but literally just to talk to him... were wonderful times. Every neighborhood kid had fond memories of Bobette and all day and into the evening games of kick the can and playing in the barn at her large yard on Monroe Street. She could almost always be found on her porch swing keeping watch on kids and the whole neighborhood unless she was mowing the yard that she loved, hunting down a blue light special at Kmart, or heading out on a long list of garage sale stops.

Even after she celebrated her 90th birthday, she was still reading about five books a week truly enjoying activities and interaction with people. Bobette had the amazing ability to connect with and retain information about things long after cell phones and computers took over the world. When she still had nothing more than a flip phone, you could still get some of the best town gossip from her. She somehow still managed it without the social app connections of today's society.

With a lifelong history of Lutheran connections and family faith, she found comfort in later years with Bethany Lutheran Church through Pastor Dennis Meyer. Bobette enjoyed his visits for communion and prayer. In recent months, she missed her siblings, parents, husband, and son terribly. Their heavenly reunion will truly be joyful! If you have a loved one she remotely knew, she is surely catching up with them now! Bobette loved her family, friends, and pets over the years. While we mourn her passing, we celebrate the joyous reunion with so many waiting in Heaven for her.

Cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, La Porte.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, October 13th, 2026, at Carmel Chapel located on 50 South by Garwood Orchard.

Garwood's fall favorite refreshments will be served during the Visitation from 3:30 pm until the time of service at the chapel.

The obituary photo of Bobette taken at a surprise party is no doubt how she looked as she entered heaven seeing the faces of so many loved ones who she has missed terribly. An image of pure joy and surprise at all the beauty, love and happiness that heaven has in store.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Bethany Lutheran Church, Outreach Fund, 102 G Street, La Porte, IN 46350 or www.bethanylaporte.com.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.cutlercares.com.