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BORN
1952
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
Michele Boeke Obituary
She was born in June 1952 in Butler, and was the daughter of the late Richard C. and Nancy L. (Walker) McDonald.
Michele was a 1971 graduate of Knoch High School.
Michele had an exciting life. In 1971, she was the winner of the Miss USA Beauty Contest and a finalist in the Miss Universe Contest. During her reign, she had the opportunity to travel and meet interesting people, including President Richard Nixon.
After her term as Miss USA, Michele spent a year in New York City modeling with the Ford Modeling Agency.
Michele decided to pursue her interest in nursing, where she worked in the home health care field. She always maintained her interest in beauty pageants and was thrilled when asked to be a judge.
Michele always had nice words to say to everyone and will be deeply missed by all.
Michele lived the majority of her life in Dayton, Ohio, with her partner of 37 years, Jeffery Sturgill and her dog, Buddy. They relocated back to Butler five years ago. He survives.
Michele is also survived by three children, Shauna Boeke from Dayton Ohio, Chad Boeke from Dayton Ohio, and Michelle Norris from Dayton Ohio.
She was the sister of Nancy Dana Haas of Saxonburg, and Michael McDonald of Butler; and the niece of Cheryl Walker Hilliard of Connoquenessing.
She is also survived by four grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Colleen McDonald Pratt.
BOEKE - Friends of Michele (McDonald) Boeke, who died Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020, will be received from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at SPENCER D. GEIBEL FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 140 New Castle Road, Butler, where services will immediately follow.
Memorials may be made to the donor's choice.
Please visit www.spencerdgeibel.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michele Boeke
Erika Keck
June 23, 2025
I remember watching the '71 pageant with my mom when I was just 10 years old...once I saw Michele, I told my mom, 'I want Miss Pennsylvania to win'...'she's going to win'....I tried to find stories about Michele a few times and with technology making it easier now, I finally did. With sadness...such a short, but full life. What a Beauty. Rest in Peace, Michele.
John Daniel Orlando
July 14, 2021
Our house screamed for joy that night in May, 1971, when her name, as Miss Pennsylvania, was announced as Miss USA. We will always be proud of the teenager from Butler.
January 31, 2020
Dana and family. I am sorry to hear that Michele has passed. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to meet Michele, She was always kind and caring. She always wanted to know how I was when she was so sick herself. I will always remember her kindness. May she Rest In Peace ..And God be with your family in your time of need .
Jean Heard
January 30, 2020
I feel terrible to learn that Michelle has passed away at such a young age. She was a student of mine at Knoch. A wonderful girl. I am so sorry to hear of her passing.
Karen Atkins
January 30, 2020
You can tell a person's character by the legacy they leave. I know Michele's daughter, Shauna, and from her, I can tell that Michele was a remarkable mother. She will be missed!! My sincerest condolences.
Mark and Kelly Davis
January 29, 2020
Michele was a great friend and neighbor you will truest be missed. RIP my friend. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family at this time
Michele at age 16
Lynne Keller-Purvis
January 29, 2020
Michele was such a kind and caring person. From the time that we were teenagers, to her passing, her compassion for others never changed. The past two years were difficult and now she is at peace with her sister Colleen and her Mother Nancy.
Be free sweet Angel!
Sherwood Maxwell
January 29, 2020
You will be missed prayers to you and your family
Vickie Flinn-Rowe
January 29, 2020
Prayers offered to the family of Michele, in her own words to me, "How important my children and grandchildren are to me." Prayers offered to her brother Michael and sister Dana, remembering all the good times shared as siblings will be the light that gets you through! God Bless!
sandy richmond
January 29, 2020
rip my dear friend my thoughts and love and prayers for her family you will be deeply missed by all that knew you love you always sandy
Donna (Reamer) Christie
January 29, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers to Micheles entire famil. She was always smiling! Rest In Peace my friend.
Jeannie Walter
January 29, 2020
I'll always be thankful that we met a few years before you were famous, and that it was during an amazing summer, unrelated to school. Beyond that, I can't sum up those 51 years in a short paragraph, so I'll just say 'Thank you for being a friend'. ♥
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results
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Memorial Events
for Michele Boeke
Feb
1
Visitation
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Spencer D. Geibel Funeral Home & Cremation Services140 New Castle Rd., Butler, PA 16001
Feb
1
Service
3:00 p.m.
Spencer D. Geibel Funeral Home & Cremation Services140 New Castle Rd., Butler, PA 16001
Funeral services provided by:
Spencer D. Geibel Funeral Home & Cremation Services140 New Castle Rd., Butler, PA 16001
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