Michelle Marie Zebell

We sometimes do all we can to support and comfort those we love. Our prayers and thoughts and vibes did not go unheard or unheeded. She fought as long as she could, and God relieved her time of suffering. Michelle Marie Zebell, 52, of Buchanan, was lifted from this veil of tears Monday, January 8, 2024, at Corewell Health, Lakeland Niles.
Michelle was born on September 2, 1971, in Niles. She graduated from Dowagiac Union High School, class of 1989, where she played flute in the marching band. Michelle continued her education through Southwest Michigan College.
On March 10, 2006, she and Ashley married Stanley Zebell. Michelle was baptized into Jesus and became an active member of St Paul Lutheran Church for nearly twenty years. Michelle helped her way into volunteering wherever she could lend a hand, from Band Boosters to poll working to church service. Fishing with her brother, camping with friends, naming the local squirrels and rabbits, collecting everything from rubber ducks to gnomes, rabbits and unicorns, she enjoyed all aspects of her life. Truly a child of the 80s, she had always liked playing computer and card games, cruising, listening to glam-rock and hanging out with her mother and best friend either at Scotty's Subs Shop in Dowagiac as a teen or at each other's homes as an adult. Most of all, she enjoyed time spent with the people she most loved and that loved her.
Michelle is survived by her husband of 17 years, Stanley Zebell; daughter, Ashley (Ben Wyatt) Damouth; son Matthew; grandson, Lucas Bailey; Brother, Kevin Barnhart; stepmother, Joan Barnhart; mother- and father-in-law, Sheila and Gerald Zebell, Jr; stepsisters, Tami (Bruce) Andersen, Amy (Jeff) Heilveil, Beth (Don) Porter and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceding her in death were her sister, Karin Gruzalski; mother, Darlene Wood; and father, John Barnhart.
We turn our spunky little firecracker over to the waiting arms of Jesus, 11 am on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at St Paul Lutheran Church, 212 West Front St., Buchanan, MI. Interment follows at Sumnerville Cemetery. Visitation will be held two hours prior, from 9-11 am, also at the church. Memorial donations may be made to St Paul Lutheran Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Swem Chapel, Buchanan. Those wishing to send condolences online may do so at www.swemchapel.com.
Until we again meet in all His glory, keep her in our hearts and minds.