Retired middle school teacher Betty Rose Michel passed away on December 22, 2021, at the age of 74 after a courageous 16-month battle with Glioblastoma cancer. She was surrounded by loved ones. Known as Betty Rose, Mrs. Michel, Mom, Memaw and so much more, she will be missed but never forgotten.
Betty was born in Owensboro, Kentucky to the late Hugh Randall and JoAnn Tanner. In her teens, the family relocated to Paradise. After graduating from Castle High School in 1965, Betty attended Oakland City College where she studied Education. During her freshman year she joined the track team and was a javelin thrower. Betty was crowned May Day Queen and was known for her infectious spirit and kindness. In 1969 she married Richard Michel. She later earned her master’s degree from University of Evansville.
A teacher for more than 30 years, Mrs. Michel’s commitment to her students and classroom was never-ending. She served as a teacher liaison for Spell Bowl, Student Council advisor, chaperone and organizer for numerous student trips to Washington, D.C., annual field trips to the Indianapolis State House with more than 100 students in tow, and countless visits to Lincoln State Park.
Betty served her community through numerous activities at Chrisney Baptist Church, Cornerstone United Methodist Church, as a Director of the Spencer County Credit Union and as the Women’s Leader for the Spencer County Farm Bureau. She was known for being a fabulous cook and would willingly share her delicious recipes. She loved theater, family vacations, her trip to the Holy Land in 2018, reading and most of all, God. A dedicated leader and member of bible study groups and book clubs, Betty was committed to lifelong learning and time with friends. Her favorite pastime was making memories with her family, and she cherished her 11 grandchildren. Together, they would garden, bake, read, play games, make milkshakes, watch movies and relish every moment.
Survivors include her husband of 52 years, Richard O. Michel; daughters: Carla (Steed) Jackson, Rachel (Ed) Kilroy and Becca (Manny) Manolov; and son, Bryan (Jill) Michel; grandchildren Tanner, Campbell, William and Margot Jackson, Eban, Camden and Addison Jo Kilroy, Lucille and George Manolov, and Mabel and Macoy Michel; brother Rick (Linda) Tanner; nephew, Kristoffer Tanner and his children: Haydn, Hadly, Henry and Hildy.
A public memorial service will be held Monday, December 27, at Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Chrisney. Visitation is from 2 to 5 p.m. (CST). The memorial service begins at 5:15 p.m. with a sky lantern tribute following. Due to current Covid restrictions, all guests are asked to wear masks inside the church. A private family burial is planned at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, consider making a memorial contribution to: (envelopes will be available at the church): Heritage Hills Scholarship Foundation; ATTN: Betty Michel Scholarship, in care of Todd Wilkerson, 3644 E CR 1600 N, Lincoln City, IN 47552; Lincoln Heritage Public Library, 228 East North Street, Chrisney, IN 47611; or Kindred Hospice/Kindred at Home Foundation online at kindredhospice.org.
Boultinghouse Funeral Home— Youngblood Chapel in Chrisney, is handling arrangements. www.BoultinghouseFuneralHome.com.
