Sandra S. Michaels

Sandra S. “Sandi” Michaels (nee Miller), age 81, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2025, while under the compassionate care of hospice at Otterbein Retirement Living Community in Middletown, Ohio.

Born on January 23, 1944, in Warsaw, Indiana, Sandi was the beloved daughter of the late Ned E. and Gloria J. (nee Hammer) Miller. She began her college education at Purdue University, where she met the love of her life, Edward D. Michaels. Sandi was a proud member of the Delta Gamma sorority, and Ed belonged to a fraternity. Their love story began over shared Cokes and blossomed quickly—so much so that after Ed graduated, they married the day before Valentine’s Day 60 years ago and moved to Dayton, Ohio. She completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of Dayton.

Sandi taught school for a year before discovering her true calling—being a devoted wife to her husband and mother to their daughters. She embraced this role wholeheartedly, creating a warm and loving home filled with care and delicious meals. Sandi also shared her gifts with others, volunteering her time tutoring schoolchildren in Kettering who needed extra help. She built cherished friendships with neighbors and was always known for her kindness, compassion, and gentle spirit.

For the past 25 years, Sandi and Ed made their home in Mason, Ohio, where she was an active member of the former Mason United Methodist Church. There, she proudly served as a Stephen Minister, offering care and support to others in times of need. A passionate reader, Sandi especially loved novels and could often be found with a good book in hand.

Sandi will be deeply missed by her devoted husband of 60 years, Edward D. Michaels; her loving daughters, Stephanie A. Michaels and Heidi L. (Richard) Anderson; and her cherished grandsons, Lucas C. and Matthew A. Anderson. She is also survived by her sister, LuAnn Pope. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ned and Gloria Miller. Sandi’s gentle nature, unwavering love, and nurturing heart touched the lives of all who knew her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends forever.

Friends are invited to attend visitation at Otterbein Lebanon United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 23, from 9:30 to 10:30 am. The memorial service will be at 10:30 am and interment will immediately follow at Rose Hill, Deerfield Township. A light lunch will be served following services.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (www.themmrf.org) or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (www.michaeljfox.org).