Sara Jane Michael

Lima, Ohio

Sara Jane "The Kewpee Lady" Michael, age 89, of Lima, peacefully passed away at 5:42 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Wyngate Senior Living Center.

Born on September 10, 1936, in Rawson, she was the daughter of Orville E. and Kathryn (Rader) Traucht, both of whom predeceased her. She was the devoted wife of the late Robert P. Michael for 61 and a half years, who preceded her in death on April 30, 2018.

A 1955 graduate of Ada High School, Sara cherished reunions with her classmates. She retired from Kewpee in July 2018 after 48 years of dedicated service, where she was renowned for her warm smile and genuine affection for customers and colleagues. Sara truly loved her job and believed in the power of a smile to brighten someone's day. She enjoyed trips to Holmes County, Christmas outings with her best friend Marsha Mangin, and performing in the Lima Memorial Hospital High Fever Follies. Known for her distinctive scarves and her love of purses and shoes, Sara was a cherished member of the Lima Community. She attended the Lima Community Church of the Nazarene for many years and, more recently, was a member of Shawnee Alliance Church.

Sara would like to express her heartfelt gratitude and love to the Schutt family.

She is survived by her loving son, Rick Michael of Lima; cherished grandchildren, Amy Tucker of Amarillo, TX, Mackenzie Michael of Lakeland, FL, and Hailey Michael of Lakeland, FL; sister, Carol Sue Seltzer of Lakeland, FL; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Mike and Rowena Michael of Lima; sister-in-law, Donna Michael of Lima; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by her daughter, Tammy Renee Michael; two brothers, Ralph Traucht, and Richard (Mary Lou) Traucht; two sisters, Jeanie Traucht, and Mary Lee Martin; and brother-in-law, Rick Seltzer.

Sara's life will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at CHILES - LAMAN FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES, SHAWNEE CHAPEL. Pastor Kris Browning will officiate. A private burial will be held in Memorial Park Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 12th, before the service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shawnee Alliance Church, 4455 Shawnee Rd, Lima, OH 45806, or Interim Hospice, 3745 Shawnee Rd, Suite #108, Lima, OH 45806.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.