Sara Elizabeth Schmelter

Born on November 14, 1943, Sara grew up in Mansfield, OH, where she met the love of her life, Jay Schmelter. The two shared 62 years of marriage, building a life marked by mutual respect and support, devotion, and unwavering partnership.

Sara earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Miami University and devoted her career to medical service as a blood bank technician. Her professional journey began in Florida while Jay served in the United States Air Force at McCoy Air Force Base in Orlando. After Jay’s military service, the couple moved to Denver, Colorado, where Sara continued her work at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Sara’s career in the blood bank spanned some of the most significant and challenging periods in modern medicine, including the era of blood segregation (which she and her coworkers firmly rejected), and later through the emergence of the AIDS epidemic. Her work was guided by integrity, courage, and a deep respect for human dignity, leaving a lasting impact on both colleagues and patients.

In her younger years, Sara embraced life with energy and creativity. She enjoyed skiing, running, swimming, bowling, horseback riding, and art among other various activities which reflected her adventurous spirit and appreciation for beauty and movement.

Sara was deeply committed to giving back to her community. She volunteered her time at the local Nature Center, sharing her appreciation for the outdoors and environmental stewardship with others. She also dedicated many years to the sport of swimming as a USA Swimming Stroke & Turn Judge, a role that reflected her fairness, attention to detail, and lifelong love of athletics. Through her volunteer work, Sara quietly enriched the lives of countless individuals and remained actively engaged in the community she loved.

Sara had a deep love of travel and adventure. Alongside many dear friends, she traveled often and enthusiastically. From cities like Paris to the wild places in Africa, there was no destination that failed to spark her curiosity, and no place she did not want to visit. Travel was one of her greatest joys.

Sara is survived by her loving husband, Jay Schmelter; her two children, Aimee and Greg; and her cherished grandchild, Patrick, all of which she was extremely proud of. She will be deeply missed by her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her life was one of service, love, and quiet determination – a legacy that will continue through those she leaves behind.

The family has requested private services with an open Celebration of Life to follow in the spring. Please donate to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in lieu of flowers.