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Michelle S. Smith was born to Alvie and Barbara Foncree in Paoli, Indiana, on November 21, 1966, and she entered her eternal rest on Sunday, January 25, at her home, surrounded by her family and dogs Tink and Nigel.

When she was 11 years old, her family moved to Plattsmouth, Nebraska. While attending the Church of Christ, she met a boy named Greg. They began dating a few years later and were married on July 26, 1985. Greg was the love of her life, and she was his.

Together, they raised three biological daughters — Amber, Brittany, and Carlie — affectionately known as “the ABCs.” Michelle was later blessed with two granddaughters, Addison Michelle and Mylee. They quickly became her reason for living. Even when her health began to fail her, she fought hard for those two girls.

Michelle had the biggest heart. She was the fun mom and sometimes a little ornery, too! She was always willing to have a house full of kids and animals and could never say no to a child or animal in need. Michelle was a safe haven for so many. She welcomed many other children into her home and helped raise them — some for a short time and others for many years.

Michelle never knew a stranger. Her open, bubbly personality instantly made people feel comfortable opening up and relying on her. She was also one of the kids at heart and knew how to have fun — whether it was a water fight, a lake trip, or blowing up firecrackers and scaring Greg.

Michelle was a bright light in a sometimes dark world, and anyone who knew her was truly blessed.

Those who preceded her in death and were waiting to welcome her into Heaven include her parents, Alvie and Barbara Foncree; her son, Joshua; and her in-laws, Lee and Lela Smith.

Those left behind to honor her memory include her loving husband, Gregory Smith; daughters Amber (Alex) Heppner, Brittany (Robert) Webb, and Carlie; her beloved granddaughters, Addison and Mylee; her siblings, Peggy (Shawn), Robin (Jim), Randy (Rena), and Ricky (Jenny); her sister-in-law, Dana (Lance); and many nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.

~~~obituaries courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Public Library, Blair, Nebraska~~~

FindaGrave #291949926