Michelle was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on February 21,1970 to Ronald and Ruth VanAckeren. She was raised in LaJunta, Colorado where she graduated from Crowley County High School in 1988.

Michelle married Sean Higbee on March 2, 1996. They had three children, Brittany Higbee, February 7, 1991, Brianna Higbee, October 14, 1997 and Tyler Higbee, January 18, 2002. Michelle's pride and joy was her grandson Dallas, 6 years old.

Michelle is survived by her husband Sean; her children Brittany, Brianna and Tyler; grandson Dallas; mother Ruth VanAckeren; brother Ron VanAckeren; sisters Lynn Farar, Chris Kirkbride, Angela VanAckeren, Cheryl McLendon, Patty Travagline and spouses; mother and father-in-law Sheila Higbee and David Higbee; brother-in-laws Charles and Gary Higbee; grandparents John and Myrna Favinger and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father Ronald VanAckeren.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, June 30th at Pulpit Rock Church, 301 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918.