Sarah Huber

Cannelton, Indiana - Sarah Lee (Kessler) Huber, passed away quite unexpectedly at her Newburgh residence on December 27, 2020. She went quickly and without suffering, which is exactly how she wanted to go. Those who knew her understand that she almost always got her way. Sarah was born on July 10, 1928 in Evansville to loving parents Helen (Roper) Kessler and Louis George Kessler. She attended Stanley Hall Grade School, graduated from Bosse High School in 1946, and received her A.B. in Liberal Arts from Evansville College in 1950. In 1961, she earned an M.A. degree in Sociology from the University of Chicago. Following her formal education, she worked as a social worker at the Evansville State Hospital and then at the Evansville Rehabilitation Center. In 1972, Sarah married the love of her life and best friend, J. David Huber, and they spent 45 beautiful years together, much of that time in Cannelton, Indiana. They traveled the world, played lots of golf, were excellent bridge players, and did pretty well at the casinos. But in addition to living and loving life to the fullest, she was dedicated to many causes and service projects. She served on the board of Planned Parenthood of Indiana and was a long-time docent at Mesker Zoo, bringing animals to schools and community events. She served on many boards and commissions in Perry County. Throughout her life she was a passionate advocate for civil rights and social justice. Sarah provided leadership for many philanthropic initiatives of the University of Southern Indiana, where her husband served on the Board of Trustees. She was a past chair of the USI-New Harmony Foundation Board of Directors and a life member of the Historic New Harmony Advisory Board. Sarah was an ardent supporter of the USI Society for Arts and Humanities. Sarah and David were members of the University Varsity Club and avid fans of both men's and women's basketball, rarely missing a game. In 2010 USI awarded them honorary Doctor of Laws degrees, the University's highest recognition. Sarah was smart, feisty, and fun, with an ever-present sparkle in her eye. She could throw a great party or quietly engage in stimulating conversation. She loved her family and was a devoted friend. She is missed. Sarah was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Charles and Louis Kessler. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Michael and Celeste (Patino) McGregor; two grandsons, Geoffrey (Lindsay) and Daniel McGregor, and their mother, Deborah (Knopsnyder) McGregor; two great-grandchildren, Blake and Evan McGregor; step-grandsons, Grant and Mitchell Myers; and beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. As was her wish, there will be no visitation or services. Private burial will be at Cliff Cemetery in Cannelton alongside David. Huber Funeral Home, Cannelton Chapel, is assisting the family with these arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky (https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-indiana-kentucky), the J. David and Sarah K. Huber Scholarship Fund at the USI Foundation (8600 University Blvd., Evansville, IN 47712 or www.usi.edu/giving), or a local social service agency of your choice.