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Jean Michaels Obituary
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Jean was born on August 4, 1925, to Albert and Esther (nee Dornette) Guethlein in Cincinnati, Ohio. She attended Western hills high School and graduated from the University of Cincinnati. Jean then went on to teach History, Latin, and Swahili at Western Hills High School and was adored by her students. She absolutely came alive in the classroom. She was animated, quirky, quick witted, and loved her students fiercely. In her later years, her intelligence shined through during Jeopardy, as she quickly answered the questions like it was child's play.
She loved to celebrate and be celebrated. Jean especially loved Christmas, proudly displaying a tree in every room - she was known for her elaborate holiday parties, including the 4th of July. Jean was very musically inclined, & she never passed up an opportunity to perform with her sisters, singing and playing the banjo. Far beyond their days on the stage as children they performed together. Never missing an opportunity at a family gathering to gather around the piano and sing.
Her hobbies later in life included supporting her son Al on the sidelines while he coached basketball. Each season Jean would knit black and red hats for each and every one of the players. She also enjoyed reading, knitting, cats, antiquing and going on adventures with her granddaughter, Kate. Her main objective as a grandmother was to make sure Kate had as much fun as possible - in which she always managed to accomplish.
Those left to cherish her memory are her loving granddaughter: Katharine (Phillip II) Ridley; beloved great grandchildren: Lourdes and Ruby Ridley; and her sister: Edith Richardson. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews from the Guethlein, Schneider & Richardson families, inclduing her Godson: Teddy Schneider; & former daughter in law: Janet Thomas; & step grandchildren: Lisa and Heather.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband: John J. Michaels; son: Albert Wingfield Spickard; parents: Albert and Esther (nee Dornette) Guethlein; and siblings: Mary Schneider and Albert Guethlein.
Visitation will be held at Brater Winter Funeral Home, 138 Monitor Ave., Sayler Park, Ohio on Friday, August 12, 2022, from 10:00 am until 11:00 am. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30 am at St. Aloysius on the Ohio. Burial to follow mass at St. Joseph Cemetery (Old).
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judy ( thomas)perry
August 14, 2022
My favorite teacher of all times. There was never any competition. I do not remember much Larin but I learned a lot about life from Mrs. Spickard and the interesting discussions we had. She made the Roman's come alive for us all. I used to send her my yearly holiday cards. I know she is helping me with the one I am doing now,, best ever,. Keep inspiring me ,Jean. Great photo!
Paula Finch
August 14, 2022
What a life she lived! I had her for four years of Latin at Western Hills High School. She loved those Latin classics, Ceasar, Cicero, and all the others that we translated. RIP Mrs. Spickard/Michaels!
Sandy Endres
August 12, 2022
I remember Mrs. Michaels teaching at West Hi.
Rest in peace.
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John Leistler
August 12, 2022
I had the privilege of being in Mrs. Michaels' classes from 1980-82, what would be her last two years of her tenure at Western Hills. She was legendary. Apart from the extraordinary gift of her intellect, she gave far more than just knowledge to her students: she gave her time. She spent time with teen-agers, invited us over for parties, discussions. She offered a joyous model of how to live a curious, impassioned life. I changed my career plans because I sat in Mrs. Michaels' classes. I wanted to be a teacher because I wanted to recreate the feeling of safety, comfort, enthusiasm, drive and academic firepower that she cultivated in her students. She loved what she did, and her students couldn't get enough of her. I marveled then and now as to how she created this life of high standards, a love of the content, and a desire to master whatever challenge she set before us. It looked like magic what she did in a classroom, but of course she was wise enough to know exactly what she was doing to encourage, cajole, compel and inspire. She knew the science and art of effective teaching. What a gift and legacy she leaves! What a treasure she has been for hundreds of adolescents eager to bask in her aura!
Mark Doebrich
August 8, 2022
Mrs. Michaels (& Mr. Michaels) were perhaps the coolest, most interesting teachers that I never had the pleasure of taking their class. She drew students to her like a magnet, who in turn, drew their friends to Mrs. Michaels. We lost an exceptional person. I´ll always remember her laugh.
Lisa and Brent (Hoffmann) Beaudoin
August 7, 2022
We are thankful for the years and memories this grand woman provided us. And a lot of people. Sending our sympathy to my sister and all those surrounding this loss of life of a great soul. We know peace will ground all of the heartache. And memories will exploded with smiles and healing.
Crystal Chappell
August 7, 2022
What a wonderful woman. Thank you for being so kind. Rest in heaven.
Bob Fisher
August 6, 2022
I was also a student of Jean and John´s from 1963 to 1969 (Latin and AP European History) and was part of the group of five students who visited their house every Wednesday night to discuss politics and events of the day. I recently found some old photos of the Fourth of July at their house with John dressed in his colonial outfit and Jean worrying about us setting off fireworks. He was known to fly numerous flags from the flag pole throughout the year celebrating various occasions. I, along with two others, was fortunate to go personally visit with her in October 2019 when we all came back for our 50th high school reunion at West High. We sat outside for 2 hours discussing old times, and she was still educating us in Latin. Her passion for teaching will never be surpassed. Everyone at West High knows how special she was to all of us. I hope my grandchildren will have teachers as dedicated and exceptional as she was. God speed Jean. You meant the world to many of us and we thank you for being a part of our lives.
Rick Schmiedeker
August 6, 2022
I was a student of both Mr. and Mrs. Michaels from 1963-1969. I was a member of a group of students that met weekly at their house to share discussions on current events. They were both the most inspirational teachers in my life. They were indeed one of a kind and are dearly missed.
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138 Monitor Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45233
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