Michelle Christine Knapp

I crossed paths with Michelle for the first time my sophomore year when we started studying together for an animal behavior class, and I was immediately struck by how beautiful an individual she was. Her sincerity, dependibility, and brilliance left a deep imprint in my heart and mind. But more than anything, there was something soothing about her very presence, and each time I think of the short time I was blessed to share with her, I smile. I was deeply saddened to hear of her passing,...

I knew Michelle from her high school days, as I was a leader with Young Life at Centerville High School. I have told many people about Michelle and her faithful prayers for her friends during that time. My prayers are with her family and friends as they deal with the loss of Michelle here on this earth, but I rejoice knowing that she is in heaven. What a place there was marked out for her! And I think of you all especially today.

We were so saddened to learn of Michelle's death. She was a joy to be around and I will miss her hugs when I saw her.Rest in Peace. For His Sake.

Michelle's dad and I would like to thank all of you who have taken time to share yourselves with us. We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and compassion by all who knew Shelley both here in Dayton, in Cambridge and Harvard, at the Smithsonian, and in Lubbock at St. Paul's and Texas Tech. We miss her greatly and the sharing your little "snip-its" of Shelley is helping us deal with our deep sorrow and overwhelming loss. Whenever Shelley and I would talk on the phone I would at...

It was my pleasure to know Michelle in her role as the directress of the Junior Daughters of the King at St. Paul's on the Plains in Lubbock, TX. What an outstanding young woman, full of grace, warmth and love for each of the younger women whe mentored. I'm sure none of those young women will ever forget the person Michelle was to them in her role as friend and guide. I'm blessed to have known her only briefly. And though she is mourned deeply and missed greatly; we may be assured that...

I remember one day back in highschool, in a conversation with a friend, noting that Michelle's extraordinary kindness was attributed to her strong christianity. She was also extremely brilliant. I will never forget one of the most glorious moments when Michelle and I took gold in Disease Detectives at Nationals in Chicago, 1998...

Michelle's delightful blend of playfulness, gentleness and utter sincerity are the qualities that struck me most immediately -- and most enduringly -- about her. She was so richly, intriguingly, and unashamedly herself, which seemed to foster her ability to love those around her so well. I just feel so sad right now in the face of such irreversible news. With deepest sympathy,

Michelle was a treasure and gift. She invited me to participate actively in the hrcf community within my first week at Harvard. From her faithful presence and genuine interest in my life and struggles, to her heart for prayer and seeing the broken and hurting parts of our campus transformed, to her deep appreciation for nature--hiking in the rain, catching crawly things, watching bats by a lake...Michelle has affected who I have become, and her legacy impacts my life now. I thank God for...