Michelle Lyn Beeby

Michelle Lyn Beeby, affectionately known as Miki by many, was born in Lansing, Michigan, on October 31, 1972. She was the only child of Mary Ann Dashney and James Addison Beeby, Jr. Miki enjoyed the unique joys of being an only child until her father's second marriage blessed her with her two younger brothers, Eddie and Chris. Her life was further enriched when Frank Nemeth came into Mary Ann and Michelle's lives as Mary Ann's love and partner for over three decades. Frank had a significant influence in Michelle's life and she loved Frank as a dad.
Raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Miki cherished visiting the lush Pacific Northwest, where her mother's family resided. These trips were filled with warmth and connection, starkly contrasting her father's family gatherings each summer at Torch Lake, Michigan. There, beneath the shade of trees and the sunlit waters, memories were made at her grandparents' charming home, just steps from the beach. Miki's family tree flourished with many aunts, uncles, and cousins, tracing the connections that adorned her life from all sides of her family's heritage.
A graduate of Hayward High School in 1990, Michelle pursued her passion for fashion at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in San Francisco, where her creativity blossomed. She later expanded her knowledge and skills by studying Business at California State University, Hayward, laying the groundwork for her future endeavors including recently, acquiring multiple yoga certifications in hopes of someday leading yoga retreats and sharing her love of yoga and its teachings.
Michelle was passionate about muscle cars, classic car shows, concerts, ecstatic dance, yoga, great food and wine, all things Italian, the mountains, travel, cooking and learning. She loved Hawaii, particularly Maui, where she found herself captivated by its natural beauty and aloha spirit. Michelle also explored the vibrant cultures of Puerto Rico, the idyllic paradise of Bora Bora, the rich history of Italy and Spain, the charming towns of England, and countless other enchanting locales along the way. Her future plans included retiring in Italy. She dedicated countless hours researching how to make it a reality and joyfully crafted detailed plans of a future life steeped in the beauty and culture she adored.
Miki was a devoted mother whose heart and soul revolved around her beloved son, Jay, born on June 29, 2010. From the moment he entered her life, he became the center of her universe. Miki's unwavering love for Jay was boundless and evident in the way she poured her heart into his upbringing. Her parenting embodied the qualities of kindness, strength, and resilience that truly defined her character.
Miki was an extraordinary lady whose immense heart overflowed with love for those around her. She possessed a unique ability to accept and embrace her friends and family, flaws and all, caring for them with an unwavering, unconditional love. Her presence was a radiant light, brightening even the darkest days with her infectious laughter and beautiful smile. As the most attentive listener and trusted confidant, she offered a safe space for others' thoughts and feelings. Fiercely loyal and devoted, Miki truly embodied what it means to be a true friend and "sister". Those she counted as her tribe were Coco, Jenn, Rickee, Mindy, Juli and Angie
Miki skillfully masked her profound suffering deep within her heart, tucking it away under a sturdy facade of unwavering strength and steadfast resilience. For years, she navigated the complexities of life, expertly balancing the weight of her hidden struggles while presenting a brave front to the world around her. Miki once wrote, "Many times in my life when I share a life experience it shocks people. They see me as a person with ease and grace in my life. They see me as kind and loving. It is my suffering that grew my heart larger and larger through each heartbreak and pain in my life. I often envy those that never get too close, never love too deep, never get hurt, but only because they seem unaltered children with a simple untarnished character. It is never a life I would choose. I am sure I have had those opportunities to not take action, not get involved, not get too close to a situation. I have never picked it."
On March 26, 2025, Miki's life on earth unexpectedly ended as she joined her angels in the next life. She was preceded in death by both her mother and father, as well as all her grandparents. She left behind these words for those who remain: Getting into the effing hole with people is critical for our society. We, as strangers, can still show compassion for the pain (others) need to go through...accept their free will... and hope (they) make the needed change... Miki's gift to the world was making others feel seen, and she encouraged each of us to embody that gift for others.
A Celebration of Life will take place Saturday, August 2, 2025 in Utah. Please reach out for details. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The FMK Foundation (Utah) for which Michelle was a Board Member.
Notes to Miki from those who loved her:
"From my earliest moment, my big sister Miki was a bastion of many things. Grace, care, passion, kindness, beauty and above all else - love. I don't have a first memory with her - on my timeline she simply appeared as a beacon of love and reliability. Anyone in her life could count on her and for me she was always there as a sister, friend, mentor and mother figure. She loved deeper and with more vigor than anyone I know and probably ever will. It has always been massively inspiring and intense in the most magnetic way. Everything she did was with power and giving. She gave everything to her loved ones and she transcended more hardships through life than anyone should have to experience - especially for someone who loved so unconditionally. This world took and took from her while she continued to give and give. Ever the picture of flexibility, she shifted around constant suffering and stubbornly learned from the school of life, unchanging in her lovingness. The lessons she gives me are infinite like she is. Our conversations always made me ache with growth and now she gives me a deep, loving and knowing ache - forever. I love you, Miki." -Chris Beeby
"My mom was the best mom I could ask for. She was really the best. She was always there for me and was so cool, nice and pretty. She truly was everything I could ever ask for. Her life was not perfect but she was so strong and her beauty was so, so powerful. I wish she was still with us and it hurts that she's gone and I wish I didn't take her for granted. I miss her more and more every day and I know she is looking down on us. I miss you so much Mom." -Jay Ellis
"Miki was a bright light in the world. She had an amazing laugh and the most beautiful smile. She was the best listener and confidant. She told me hard truths when she knew I needed to hear them. She loved with her whole heart and was fiercely loyal. We helped each other through so many challenging times. And we had so many amazing adventures together, with plans for many more. My heart is broken, but heals a little each time I imagine Miki dancing with her angels. Love you and miss you like crazy, girlfriend! Wherever you are, save a place for me." Love, Jules
"Michelle and I met in the gym at Hayward High School in 1987 and quickly became best friends. Within no time Michelle knew my situation and asked her mom if I could live with them. Mary Ann didn't hesitate and became my foster mother thus beginning our lives as "sisters". Michelle and I later lived together during college and had many adventures and shenanigans together over the next 38 years. Michelle had the biggest heart and loved harder than anyone I've ever known. She was the most dedicated friend and despite my shortcomings, she still loved me unconditionally. We had plans to travel later in life and grow old together. I'll miss you dearly, Michelle. You were the best friend that a girl could ever have. I wish that I knew of the deep pain that you were feeling so that I could help you. The hole in my heart is permanent but I'm grateful for the time that we had together. I'll love you always." -Angie Dunn
"Miki was my co-single mom. Our mini-families shared Sunday dinners, Thursday hikes, ice castles, and amusement parks. Miki was a serious badass. She took on a guy at Lagoon who looked a little too closely at my daughter, causing him to literally run away. She was strong, beautiful, loved a costume, and was a fierce advocate for her son. I miss her every day and hope she has found peace with her angels. Love you." -Rickee Stewart