Obituaries

Michelle Renee McGaha, 52, of Burlington, KY, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 9, 2026, at her residence surrounded by her loving family. Born in Cincinnati, OH, on May 30, 1973, she was the daughter of Gary and Rebecca Schanding.

Michelle resided in Kentucky her entire life and was a graduate of Conner High School. Michelle had a lifelong passion for animals from a young age that was fostered by her grandmother on her mother’s side. That love of animals remained a constant throughout the remainder of her life. Michelle was a very well-known dog breeder for Dobermans that later carried over to Chihuahuas. She had many champions with both breeds. Michelle also enjoyed dog training and agility. Michelle worked most of her years as a veterinary technician but ended with being a dog groomer. She was diagnosed with cancer in 2023, succumbing to the disease on February 9th.

Michelle was preceded in death by her stepmother: Sandy Schanding. In addition to her parents, Michelle leaves behind her beloved husband: Jason McGaha; sons: Trey (Anabel) Beal and Jacob (Abigail) McGaha; daughter: Kyleigh (Wyatt) Flick; brother: Michael Schanding and grandchildren: Hazel Beal and Atikis Beal.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family.