Ronnie Michel

Ronnie Michel, age 89, of Bellingham, WA, passed away May 8, 2008. She was born September 21, 1918, in Hubbell, MI to George and Mary (Miller) Branshaw. She graduated from Holy Angels Academy in Seattle in 1936, and Providence School of Nursing in Everett in 1939. After post-graduate work, she began her life's work as a Nurse Anesthetist. Ronnie married the love of her life, Albert L. Michel, in 1942. They lived in Everett and later moved to Wenatchee, where they resided for 30 years. After retiring in 1976, she and Al traveled the world. She had lived in Bellingham the last 17 years, where she especially enjoyed gardening and crafts. Her church and her faith were her guiding lights and her joys, more than anything, were her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Michel; and granddaughter, Kristen Kearns. Ronnie is survived by daughters, Kathleen (Howard Scott) Tuttle of Bellingham, Theresa (Dennis) Wieshaupt of Eugene, OR, Carol (Robert Bingham) Kearns of San Francisco, CA and Barbara Smith of Fremont, CA; son, Dennis (Cindy) Michel of Seattle; grandchildren, Casey Smith, Michel Kearns, Nathan Michel, Pauline Michel, Carmen Parmele, Monica Wieshaupt, Brady Tuttle and Brett Tuttle; six great-grandchildren; and sister, Delores Nelson of Spokane, WA. The family suggests donations to Whatcom Hospice Foundation, 800 East Chestnut, Suite 1-C, Bellingham, WA 98225 or Sacred Heart Shawl Ministry, 1110 14th St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Vigil Services will be held at Westford Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bellingham on Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at 12:10 p.m., followed by a reception at the Parish Hall. You may view photos of Ronnie and share memories with the family at www.westfordfuneralhome.com. Westford Family Funeral Home, Bellingham, WA.>