Where do I start! Michele you were one of my best friends. I remember you trying to teach me how to drive your new (manual) vega car, every time I stopped at the stop sign I would kill the car. We laughed so hard! You had so much patience but you taught me how to drive a stick. We had fun riding ponies all over Orient. I will always remember our fun times together! RIP my friend you will be missed!!

I met Michelle from my Cousin Mike because she was his wife. She was a breath of fresh air, she had such a huge heart that loved every one.. I never heard her say a bad thing about anyone and always looked for the good in others. Her heart was so big and pure.. She loved her husband with everything and took such good care with my Aunt and Uncle before they passed.. Michelle will sadly missed.

The stories I could share! Michele and I were friends for many, many years. The night we buried her Vega in a snowbank and laughed too hard to get it out. The day we went bike riding and being warned to stay in Orient. That didn't go so well when Michele's bike chain came off and we had to call her dad to pick us up... we were miles away in Zion. Plugging in her new dryer that wasn't, apparently, grounded, threw me across the kitchen. I don't remember EVER laughing that hard! The memories are many and now that's all I have. My heart broke when I got the news. Her children have always been my nieces and nephew. No bloodline needed. I'm going to miss you so very much Michele. Hug your parents and when you see mine up there, please hug them too. Mom will be so glad to see you. Until we all meet again, we'll miss you and hold on to the wonderful memories we all had together.

So sorry for your loss. Thank you for the beautiful overview of Michele’s life. I remember her beautiful handwriting too.

I went to elementary school with Michelle at Macksburg Elementary School. I remember her well, for that brief period, as we talked and developed a friendship. I remember her smile. I was tall and so was she, for her age. I have nothing but good memories of her as a child. I'm so sorry for your loss. I appreciate the bio that helps me see her life trajectory. Blessings to you all during your grieving.

Alan E. Nelson

Oh so many memories momma…. Being an only child for 5 years sure had its perks. I remember saving the tins from or chicken pot pies and then making mini apple pies with them. Homemade cinnamon rolls and using thread to cut the perfect slices. How about that time I “ate your candy bar” and you told me to get the wrapper because you didn’t have any candy bars. Come to find out exlax looks and tastes a lot like a herseys bar.

When we used the Tupperware salad dressing shaker to make pancakes and when we shook it the top blew off and the batter was EVERYWHERE! Driving on Adams St and going to make a U-turn and I was fiddling with the door handle (while being told not to) and you grabbed me right as I about flew out the door when it opened. Or when I got in your car and knocked it out of gear and it rolled down the hill.

I remember my cabbage patch doll that you went to battle to secure for Christmas (Phoebe Candice).Metal skates that went over my shoes and a pillow tied around my waist learning how to skate! Avon lipstick samples!! Oh I loved them things!

As I got older I remember the bowling alley and all the mini bowling pins you got for all your high scores. When you would draw balloons on construction paper cut them out and add some yarn for birthday decorations. (Still not sure if it was because you hated balloons or because we didn’t have the money for real ones) either way I loved waking up to them on the wall! I could go on for days…..we had fun and you taught me so much!

I am so grateful for you! I would not be the person I am today without you! I made more than my fair share of mistakes and poor choices over the years but you never gave up on me. From juvenile lockup to teen pregnancy. You were always there, ALWAYS. You held my hand through 4 births and were there when Devan died. You seen me through addiction and were there to celebrate my recovery. Thank you momma!

It was such a blessing to see your life change when you found Mike. It’s amazing what true love can do for the soul. I am so glad you got to experience that, your deserved happiness and all the things!

As much as it hurts to lose you I do find comfort knowing you are pain free in heaven surrounded by so many people who love you.

Thank you momma for all you did for us and until I see you again I’ll be loving you,

Love,

Me (Aka #1)

I'm so sorry to hear about Michelle she was 1 of my best friends growing up in 0rient we played canasta,we were neighbors God Bless you all,we love you-all be safe . From Salli Davis And My Family