Saralee Graham Seckel

Saralee Graham Seckel died peacefully at Kensington Place on Saturday, January 20, 2024. She was born on December 21, 1932, in Lancaster, Ohio. She was an only child and raised during the Depression. Throughout life Saralee was a friend to all and created lasting friendships that endured to her passing. Saralee in her High School years was a drum-majorette for four years and was selected to be an attendant on the Homecoming Court. She helped start a local Bethel Jobs Daughter, which helps young women gain confidence, prepare them to lead, and to use their voice; she was their first honored Queen taking her across the State of Ohio. She graduated in 1951 and attended Ohio State University, where she met the love of her life, Gary Seckel in 1952 (deceased November 2018) and they married in 1953. Saralee is preceded in death by Gary Seckel (husband of 70 years), parents Clifford and Francis Graham, daughter Sandra Lee, and granddaughter Kelsey Faith. Saralee is survived by her two sons G.J. (Donna Burtch) and Kevin (Lauren), and daughter Stacie Rawlings (Kevin), and 9 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, known to them as “Little Papa”: Brian Seckel, David (Adrien) Seckel, Kyle (Courtney) Rawlings, Allison Rawlings, Samantha Rawlings, Stephanie Burton (Eli), Cody Rawlings, Julia Seckel, and Kara Seckel. Saralee took the important role of homemaker and LOVED every minute, her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were her world and would do anything to support their efforts. Saralee felt she had the greatest family the Lord put together and loved watching them grow and celebrate life’s milestones. Saralee was an active member in civic organizations including, Twig 128, Buckeye Boys Ranch, Childhood League, and Bexley Women’s Club. She loved to spend time in the Amish Country with Gary and after his passing with the help of her son G.J. and Donna Burtch. In addition, she enjoyed the family’s annual vacation at Lakeside, Ohio where she would sit on the porch reading and catching up with loved ones. Saralee had a very close group of friends, who she routinely spoke with and loved having lunch with when she could. Religion played an important role in her life, where she was a member of the Bexley United Methodist Church and later attended church at Kensington Place. We would like to thank the staff at Kensington Place and Mount Carmel Hospice for the care they provided Saralee. There will be a Private Celebration of Life for family and friends. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital (P.O. Box 50, Memphis TN 38101-9929).