Rachel Ann Sarver Minnich of West Milton, age 92, passed away Saturday morning at Randall Residence in Tipp City. She was born on April 5, 1926 in Greenville, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her parents Ray and Marian (Hale) Harlacher, husbands Carl Sarver and Richard Minnich, and great-grandson Wade Dodson.
Survivors include her children Priscilla and Dick Dodson of Covington, Bob and Joyce Sarver of Piqua, Jim and Tracy Sarver of West Milton, and Tom and Sandy Sarver, also of West Milton. Also surviving are numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Mom was a proud member of the Milton-Union class of 1944.
At the early age of 16, she obtained her beautician’s license and started Rachel Ann’s Beauty Shop. During her entire life she devoted her time to helping people, especially along with her first husband Carl in the operating of the Hale-Sarver Funeral Home. Following her husband’s death, she graduated from college at the age of 45 and became one of the early women licensed funeral directors in the area (which would have made her grandpa “Pop Hale” proud).
Mom and her second husband Dick Minnich loved to travel and were both active in the community, especially in the West Milton Lion’s Club. She loved her church, where she was a member for over 60 years, and the Milton-Union Schools, where she volunteered for many years. Last year she was inducted into the Wall of Honor at Milton-Union.
She also loved her community, serving on many boards over the years. She enjoyed visiting with people and collecting money for the fireworks at the top of the hill during the 4th of July fireworks, and making pots of bean soup for the annual Downtown Halloween Festival. She loved her Republican party, contributing time and res whenever asked.
In 2017, she was awarded the Tribute to Women award by the Ohio Federation of Republican Women for Achieving, Mentoring, and Leading. She was active in Campfire, Miltonian Club, Past Matron of Sharon Chapter #132 O.E.S., and the Piqua Lewis Voyer Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. In 2007, along with a friend, Mom published a book on the Underground Railroad.
She has been known for many years as “The Town Historian” and she was honored last 4th of July to be the Grand Marshall of the parade. Most of all, Mom loved her family – her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and their spouses. The family wishes to thank all those who visited and cared for Mom over the past few years, especially the members of the church and the entire staff (especially Robert) at the Randall Residence.
Funeral services will be held on 2:00 PM Sunday, June 17, at the West Milton United Church of Christ, 108 S. Main St, with interment to follow. An Eastern Star service will be held prior to the services on Sunday. The family will receive friends from 2:00 -6:00 PM Saturday at the Hale-Sarver Family Funeral Home, 284 N. Miami St, West Milton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Milton-Union Alumni Association or West Milton United Church of Christ. A life that is lived is one that has been loved.
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