Michele Luellen Richardson

Michele is survived by her partner Johnny Craig and his son Daniel, mother Betty LaDue, father Michael Richardson, stepfather Randy LaDue, sister Sharon Spall, stepsister Rachel Accountius, and stepbrother Rob Moore, as well as her two kitties Squash and Butterz, and her dog Castiel.

Michele was a bright light to all who knew her and loved her. She had a heart of gold and could always make everyone laugh. Michele grew up in Phoenix, AZ and graduated from Greenway High School in 2000. As a child and teen, she carved her own way in life, and that continued into adulthood. When she was very young, she never wanted to miss out on anything and did not want to sleep. Not one to be kept to a schedule, Michele would keep going and going until she would tire herself out and then ultimately fall asleep anywhere she happened to be. Even as she got older, both through high school and into adulthood, Michele was never afraid to be herself and find her own path, which was one of the many reasons that so many people loved her.

Michele made a career in the restaurant industry. While in her early 20s, she briefly tried transitioning to a more traditional “9 – 5” type job, but she quickly realized that her heart truly was in the restaurant industry. Over the years, she worked at many various restaurants, as both a server or manager, including Lenny's Burger Shop in high school, and then Mimi's Cafe, Joe's Crab Shack, Corner Bakery Cafe, Applebee's, and Firebirds. Each restaurant held a special place in her heart because of the relationships that she formed with her co-workers who became like a second family to her. Michele was very dedicated and a hard worker, and sometimes it was easiest to locate her by stopping in to visit her at work instead of texting or calling her, which Michele's mom especially loved to do to sneak in a visit with her daughter.

Michele loved cooking and hosting dinners. When she wasn't at work, she was often watching one of her favorite cooking shows, especially Chopped, or preparing a new recipe that she discovered. However, out of all of the delicious food that she loved to cook, and even going back to her childhood, Michele was especially happiest with a bowl of really good soup.

Michele had a very special place in her heart for her kitties and her dog, whom she loved as though they were her children. You could not have a conversation with Michele without hearing a story about Squash, Butterz, or Castiel (or her previous kitties, Football and Rugby). Michele also loved the people in her life, and she loved spending time with her family and also her friends who became her chosen family. When she made friends, she made friends for life. She will be missed dearly by all who knew her, and all who loved her.