Sheila McMichael Obituary

Sheila Ann McMichael, 87, passed away October 28, 2024, at home surrounded by her family.

Sheila was born to Thomas J. and Helen McNeil on June 27, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois. She was a proud graduate of Quincy University in Illinois. It was while she was at Quincy University that she met the love of her life, John Charles “Chuck” McMichael. They married on February 13, 1960. Together they raised six children. They resided in both Des Moines and Jefferson City, MO at various times throughout their married life.

A teacher at heart, Sheila taught in both the parochial and public school systems in Missouri and Iowa. She loved teaching and she loved her students. She was always pleased when she ran into one of them as an adult and got to hear about their lives. She also taught Religious Education for many years through St. Mary of Nazareth Catholic Church. Her commitment to her faith always guided her actions in everything she did. As a member of St. Mary of Nazareth Catholic Church, Sheila was active in the church choir, Women’s Group, Bible Study and numerous fellowship events. Because of her love of flowers, especially red Roses, Sheila volunteered for more than a decade at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens. She was an avid reader and loved traveling. Scrapbooking was a passion that she shared with her daughter in law. Just like her father, Sheila regaled her friends, family and Martina Place with stories of her family, travels and her life. Sheila’s love and devotion to her Catholic faith have been an inspiration to her family and friends.

Sheila is survived by her children, Cathleen McMichael, Anne (Randy) Van Loo, Amy (Michael) Brichetto, David (Rick) McMichael, Kevin (Tricia) McMichael and son-in-law Dan Graessle. Her grandchildren Christopher Graessle, Katy Graessle, Jessica Jones, Patrick Jones, Allison Barnhart, Austin Van Loo, Colleen Brichetto, Beth Brichetto, Brian Brichetto, Maggie McMichael and Molly McMichael. And her great grandchildren Bailey Gill and Grace and Boone Barnhart.

Sheila was preceded in death by her parents, husband Chuck McMichael, beloved daughter Helen Claire Graessle and brother, Thomas (Mary) McNeil.

The family will receive friends from 10 AM - 11 AM Monday, November 4, 2024, at St. Mary of Nazareth Catholic Church with an 11 AM Funeral Mass to follow with burial at Glendale Cemetery.

Our family wishes to thank the Unity Point Hospice Blue Team and the dedicated and wonderful caregivers in the Carlow Neighborhood at Martina Place, all of whom graciously cared for our Mom/Nana.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.ilesCares.com

Arrangements by Iles Westover

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