Jean (Guethlein) Michaels

Just 12 hours before her 97th birthday, on August 3, 2022, Jean G. Michaels (nee Guethlein) departed for heaven. Due to her affinity for celebrating birthdays, it's only fitting that she spent her day in heaven celebrating.  The day ended with a beautiful double rainbow across the Cincinnati sky just as the sun was setting. A definite sign from above that the party was a rockin' in true Jean style.

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).

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jean (Guethlein) Michaels, please visit our floral store.