Susan Lynne (McKinney) Schaich, age 54, of Lawrenceburg, passed away unexpectedly on Monday evening, December 26, 2022.
Susan was born September 5, 1968 in Cincinnati, Ohio to the late Rev. J.C. and Ruth Edna (Ellison) McKinney. She was a 1986 graduate of William Henry Harrison High School and went on to further her education at Northern Kentucky University, receiving her Bachelor of Education in 1991. Susan began her teaching career at Christ Centered Preschool and at Harrison Christian School. In the Fall of 1997, she was employed by Southwest Local School District, starting at the Jr. High School, then transferring to Harrison High as an Intervention Specialist where she worked for 18 years. It was in the school year of 2015 that she moved to Whitewater Valley Elementary School until 2021 when the new schools were built. In the Fall of 2021, Susan began working at the new Miami Whitewater Elementary School where she was still currently employed. It was those kiddos that stole her heart. Susan spent her career devoted to her students- she was their biggest cheerleader and loudest advocate. She treated her students as her own children and would do anything for them leading her to gaining the nickname, “Ma Schaich”.
Susan was full of life and truly lived hers to the fullest, embracing every single moment. From date nights and weekend getaways together with her husband, Sam, to traveling the world- there wasn’t any adventure she would miss out on. Susan will be remembered for her bright smile and comforting heart for others. There wasn’t a room that she didn’t light up. Susan’s faith in God was evident. She enjoyed being around those she loved most and spending time with them. Susan loved deeply and without boundaries. She adored her three daughters and was so proud of the women they have become.
On June 24, 1989, Susan married her husband of 33 years, Samuel Otto Schaich, and he survives. Also surviving are her three daughters: Hannah Schaich (Tony Consiglio) of Dayton, OH, Alexandra Schaich of Lawrenceburg, and Jordyn Schaich (Drew Reed) of Shelby, OH; two bonus grandbabies who loved their Susie: Dominic and Vincent; siblings: Rev. Rick (Jane) McKinney of Stearns, KY and Robin (David) Root of Williamsburg, KY; aunts and uncles: Helen (Jim) Lansaw, Claudia (James) McKinney, Dale (Shirley) McKinney, Don (Kathy) McKinney, and Bob (Jean) Ellison; her mother-in-law: Lois Schaich; siblings-in-law: Deb (Don) Stutz, Pam (Barrie) Fleetwood, Brenda (Steve) Williams, and Merri Carol (John) Patterson; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a host of many friends. In addition to her parents, Susan was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Eugene Lawrence Schaich.
The family would like to thank her Southwest Local School District family- Mia Neckel, the staff, and kiddos of Miami Whitewater Elementary for your constant love and support, the Bright Volunteer Fire and EMS for your quick and careful assistance, and certainly all of our friends, family, and our community for the kind words and comfort you have all provided us. We are truly grateful.
Family and friends are welcome on Friday, December 30, 2022 from 3-7 pm at Legacy Christian Church, 216 N Sycamore Street, Harrison, and also on Saturday, December 31, 2022 from 10-11am. Funeral services will immediately follow the hour of visitation Saturday morning at 11 am. Susan’s brother, Rev. Rick McKinney will officiate and private burial will be in Glen Haven Cemetery, Harrison. For those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Susan’s name, the family has asked that they are directed to Southwest Local School District- In Memory of Mrs. Susan Schaich, where an account will be created to support students in need at Miami Whitewater Elementary, 10800 Campbell Road, Harrison, OH 45030 or to the Bright Fire & EMS, 23759 Brightwood Drive, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025.
Care for Susan and her family has been provided by Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, Ohio, where her daughter, Jordyn, is a funeral director.
Appropriate ways to express sympathy may be done by leaving an online condolence on Susan’s obituary at www.PenwellTurner.com or by leaving a comment on her post on the funeral home’s Facebook page, Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral.