Michelle (Shelly) died September 11th, 2006 at St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. She was born in Albert Lea, MN., May 7th, 1958. A native of Keizer since 1969, she attended Cummings Grade School, Whiteaker Middle School, & graduated from McNary High School in 1976.
Michelle was a very talented musician who played cello from the age of 7. She studied cello with Bruce McIntosh at Willamette University and played in the Salem Junior Symphony. Attended Oberlin Conservatory of Music for four years and studied at the Baniff Fine Arts Center in Alberta. After earning her degree she moved to Nashville. She played in the Nashville Symphony for 19 years before retiring because of her health. As part of her service with the Symphony she performed with a string quintet at the grade schools in the Nashville area. For three years she played with the Amy Grant Christmas Tour.
Michelle was a much loved and valued member of her church in Nashville. She was a dear friend to many, especially those in the Singles Ministry. Despite her great physical challenges she was a hopeful and positive person, a dedicated mother, and an inspiration to those who knew her.
Michelle is survived by her parents, Kenneth & Dorine, son Andrew, brothers David & Naomi, Kevin & Kate, Sean & Elizabeth and sister Denise & Steve Epps-Parrent, nieces, Brianna, Wynona & Bethany, Elsa, and nephews, Travis, Ian, Andre, & Lukas and her many friends in Nashville and Salem.
A memorial service was held at 11 am on Saturday, November 18, at John Knox Presbyterian Church in Keizer, Or.
~Donations in her memory maybe sent to~ Belmont Church Singles Ministry, 68 Music Square, Nashville, TN 37203