Michelle Kukura

Michelle Kukura, born Michelle Knight on July 28, 1964, in Ringgold, Georgia, passed away unexpectedly on November 27, 2025, in Swansboro, North Carolina. She was 61 years old.

Michelle was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother—lovingly known as "Umma"—and a cherished friend to many. Her life was marked by deep faith, boundless generosity, and an infectious joy that touched everyone she met. A follower of Christ, Michelle lived her beliefs daily through acts of kindness and love. She never met a stranger and had a remarkable gift for making real-life connections with people from all walks of life.

She is survived by her loving husband Karl Balog; her mother Jo Ellen Jeffries; her daughters Candace Dunn and Samantha Best; sons-in-law Russ Dunn and Dan Best; her beloved grandchildren Joseph Mobley, Madalyn Dunn, Marleah Dunn, Payden Dunn, Frank Dunn, and Willa Dunn; her brother Tim Knight and his wife Jen Knight; her sister Nichole Hird and her husband Michael Hird; as well as her extended Georgia family as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Michelle was preceded in death by her first husband with whom she shared 28 years of marriage Frank Kukura; her father David Knight; and her stepfathers Nicholas Glynn and William Jeffries.

In the final chapter of her life, Michelle found great joy living near the beach in Swansboro. The last seven months were filled with peace and beauty as she embraced coastal living... a dream come true for her. During this time, she welcomed several visits from Candace and her family. Together they created treasured memories along the Crystal Coast... walking the shores, laughing together, dreaming about the future. Michelle and Candace both loved the area deeply and had so many plans yet to be fulfilled.

Just one month before her passing, Michelle's mother Jo Ellen visited to see where Michelle had made her new home. That visit brought them precious time together, moments now held close by those who loved them both.

Before moving to NC, Michelle and her daughter Samantha would often enjoy a night out listening to a band and dancing the night away.

Michelle's passions were many: she loved reading books that stirred the soul or sparked imagination; she enjoyed shopping local and supporting small businesses in every town she called home. Crafting brought out her creativity and gifting those crafts brought out her heart. She delighted in sending cards just because and blessing others with thoughtful surprises that always seemed to arrive at just the right moment.

But above all else, Michelle adored being "Umma" to her grandchildren. Whether it was shopping together, playing games, crafting or simply sitting side-by-side sharing stories or laughter those moments were among the most sacred to her.

Michelle's personality radiated warmth and light. She had a fun-loving spirit that could brighten any room. She forgave quickly, sought peace always, and lived each day with intention choosing joy even in hardship.

In honor of Michelle's memory: take time to be grateful for each day you are given. Find joy in simple things. Make peace where there is discord & share the love of Jesus boldly as she did so beautifully throughout her life.

Her legacy lives on in every life she touched... with every card sent in kindness... every gift given from the heart... every smile offered freely... every prayer spoken out loud or whispered quietly... every wave walked beside along the shore.

May Michelle's memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her and may we all carry forward the light she so generously shared with this world. A Celebration of Life will be held on December 12, 2025 at The Gate Church 11836 South Ave. We will have a calling hour from 4-5 with Celebration of Life service starting immediately after. All are welcome. Michelle's Granddaughters have requested that you wear something with color if you can. They remember their Umma vibrant and full of life and fun and would love to honor and celebrate her this way.