Michelle Stueve Smith

July 9, 1957 – December 28, 2011

Michelle Smith 54 of Overland Park, Kansas rests in heaven after a courageous battle with melanoma cancer. What started as a small mosquito-size pinkish bump on her right collar bone in 2006, turned out to be the beast of melanoma. Michelle had surgery to remove a larger margin around the melanoma spot and remove lymph nodes that came back clear at that time. In April 2010, Michelle had a PET scan showing spots in her right lung and negative activity in other areas. After a visit to MD Anderson for a consult, chemo therapy began along with other forms of treatment.

Michelle was born on July 9, 1957 in Grand Rapids, MN. to Corky and Molle Stueve. She graduated from St. Ann’s Catholic School [1971], Bishop Miege High School [1975] and Benedictine College [1979]. She was a physical education teacher at Queen of the Holy Rosary school from 1979-1995. She was also a JV volleyball coach at Bishop Miege High School as well as a club and CYO volleyball coach for many years. She is survived by her loving husband Paul of 27 years who was her solid rock, children Maggie, Patrick and Molly who assisted in her daily care with love, devotion and compassion. Many family and friends were blessed to walk this journey with Michelle.

Michelle’s love of the Lord was first in her heart and that allowed her to love everyone in her life to the fullest. She never met a stranger, always made sure newcomers felt included in the group, and didn’t have an enemy in the world. She will be missed here on earth, but her spirit and love of God will be felt for eternity. Indeed, Michelle was a very “special” woman who touched many, many lives in her short 54 years. Michelle was a true disciple of Christ in everything she did and she truly understood why she was “created” and what her “purpose” was here on earth.