Sarah Elisabeth Levey

      Sarah Elisabeth Levey, age 45, of Honolulu, Hawaii formerly of Elsie, passed away on Monday, January 30, 2023, unexpectedly at her home where she resided with her husband and soul mate Damon “Jon” Ricketts.

     Funeral Services will be held at Elsie United Methodist Church, Elsie, MI, on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at 11:00 A.M., with Rev. Merlin Pratt officiating.  Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Elsie, MI.  Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, MI, on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, from 2-8 P.M.

       Sarah was born in Carson City, Michigan, on May 4, 1977, the daughter of Bruce and Dawn Levey. Sarah was a 1995 graduate of Ovid-Elsie High School and in 1997; she graduated from Lansing Community College with an associate’s degree as a Para-Legal.  In early 2014, Sarah earned her level I sommelier (wine specialist). Currently, she was a student at the University of Arizona studying forensic anthropology. She worked in and managed various wineries, bars, and fine dining establishments. Sarah shared her smile, knowledge and concern with all she came in contact with.

       Sarah lived life on her terms and living where the wind took her: Tucson, Arizona, various locations in Virginia. And in 2013, she met the love of her life Damon “Jon” Ricketts; they proceeded to reside in Norfolk, Virginia, Washington D.C.; Southampton, New York; Albuquerque, New Mexico and Honolulu, Hawaii. And when hurricanes hit, did Sarah evacuate as suggested, that would be a no, and she attended a hurricane party instead. She and Jon were free spirits that lived life in an adventurous way.

      Sarah enjoyed hiking, running, reading, exploring and sharing her adventures with others. The time spent with Jon and living everyday and planning for their future gave her great joy. Sarah also had a special connection with her family sharing her adventures and encouraging them to live life to the fullest. Her brother, sister, and sister-in-law, and nieces and nephews held a special place in her heart.

      She is survived by her husband Damon “Jon” Ricketts; parents Bruce and Dawn Levey; sister Mary Levey; brother Eric (Stephanie) Levey; nieces: Kayla Levey and Danica Levey; nephews: Walker Levey, Kaden Levey, Matthew Levey, and Caleb Levey; grandmother Edith Reeves; several aunts and uncles.  She was preceded in death by her grandparents Dale and Elisabeth Levey and grandfather Dale Reeves and aunt Violet Levey-Papenfuss.

       Memorials can be made to Elsie United Methodist Church.  Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.  The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie Chapel.