Michelle Kimberly Middleton

September 4, 1967 - May 11, 2015

Michelle Kimberly Middleton passed into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 11, 2015 in Reno, NV, after a decades-long fight with cancer. Born in Pasadena, CA on Sept. 4, 1967 to John and Marjorie Morris, she graduated from Carpentaria High School in 1985. Michelle attended Humphreys College in Stockton (class of '87) with the goal of becoming a court stenographer when she discovered she had leukemia.During the course of her cancer therapy, her heart was severely damaged.Michelle underwent a successful heart transplant in 2003. Michelle and her husband Joy were married on January 1, 1994.They moved to the Carson City area shortly thereafter.Despite her formidable, persistent health challenges, Michelle focused her attention and energies on the welfare of others. She was actively involved in Relay for Life; Cancer Survivors' Group; and "Boobie Buddies",a nation-wide support group for breast cancer survivors. Michelle also advocated for Organ and Tissue Donors. She was active in Hilltop Community Church and First Presbyterian Church. Michelle developed a Special Needs Ministry at Hilltop and was active in women's ministry. Michelle turned her love of animals into a successful business, Tender Loving Care Pet Sitting. A celebration of Michelle's life will be held at Hilltop Community Church (3588 Romans Rd., Carson City) on Friday, May 15 at 4 PM.In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Relay for Life (www.relayforlife.org) or the Nevada Humane Society(www.NevadaHumaneSociety.org). Michelle is survived by husband Joy; stepdad Marv Heusinkveld; father & stepmom John & Mercedes Morris; half-brothers Jeffery, James, and Joseph; brother John & Elaine Morris; niece and nephew Joshua & Isabel Morris; along with numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.