Sara Masse

Sara Jean Masse, age 81, went to be with the Lord on June 16, 2024. She was born on March 21, 1943, and was the second of three daughters born to Paul and Jane (Herrold) Koehler, in Elkhart, Indiana.

She met her husband, Richard "Dick" Masse, in 1961 during a concert at Elkhart High School. Sara wore a red chapeau that evening and caught the eye of Dick, so a double date soon followed. After high school she attended North Central College for a year in pursuit of a clerical degree. Her love for Dick was strong and they were wed on June 6, 1964.

While Dick attended Ferris State University they lived in married housing. Once he became a pharmacist they traveled back to Elkhart where they would start their family. In 1976 they would move and settle in Vicksburg, Michigan where they eventually owned and operated Hill's Pharmacy. In 1993 they also opened Global Travel in Kalamazoo together. Sara played pivotal roles in both businesses as she handled the clerical, financial and legal duties behind the scenes while raising three boys at home. After retirement they made one final move to Portage, Michigan.

Sara is desperately missed by her family: her children Jeff (Michelle) Masse, Joshua (Christy) Masse, and daughter in-law Melissa Masse (Kevin). She also had four grandchildren: Jason, Ethan, Kayla, and most recently was able to meet and welcome Joshua Jacob or "JJ", to the family.

Sara Jean will join her parents, her husband Richard, her son Kevin, and her older sister Sue Sauer in heaven. She is survived by her younger sister Martha (Mike) Manthey, her sister in-law Margaret (Joe) Morgan, her brother in-law Robert (Sue) Sauer and many nieces and nephews.

Following her wishes, cremation has taken place. You are invited to celebrate Sara's life with family and friends on Saturday, July 13 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Avink, McCowen, & Secord Funeral Home, 5975 Lovers Ln, Portage, MI 49002. If you have questions, please call (269) 344-5600.

While visiting Sara's webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com, please sign the guestbook and share a memory with family.

Contributions in Sara's memory can be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Michigan Great Lakes Chapter.

The Masse family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002. 269-344-5600.