Michelle Dawn Buckley, 50, of Mitchell, NE passed away Monday, July 31, 2023. Her funeral service will be held 10:30 am on Friday, August 11, 1023 at the Mitchell Grade School Gymnasium with Reverend Marty Gillen officiating. Burial will follow at the Harrison Cemetery, Harrison, NE. Visitation will be 4-7 P.M. Thursday, August 10, 2023 at Bridgman Funeral Home in Scottsbluff, NE. It is respectfully requested in lieu of flowers, memorials in Michelle’s name be made in care of the family. Online condolences may be made by viewing Michelle’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com
Michelle was a loving mother and grandmother who was well established in her community. She began her working journey at Mitchell Motors at the age of seventeen. Her personality allowed her to get to know each individual that passed through those doors. In the early 2000’s it was time for her to move on. For a short period of time, she worked at the old Gering Sugar Factory, Regional West Medical Center, and Brown Sheep Company.
As her family began to grow, she again had to move on. Michelle found her serenity at the Mitchell Public Library. There she enjoyed bestowing her love for knowledge and creativity in the minds of all ages from the community. She took pride in coordinating the Summer Reading Program every year. She got to know her community as well as they got to know her. Michelle’s family grew yet again and it was time for a change. The library was sad to see her go but encouraged her to move onto bigger and better things. That is when she began at Mitchell Public Schools. There she spent ten years feeding the young minds that passed through the cafeteria. Not only did she take her time to get to know each child, she offered encouragement and hugs to anyone in need.
The times changed and she had to follow suit. The last year at Mitchell Public Schools she became a paraeducator helping with the after-school program. Her wisdom and love were bestowed among all the people of the community leaving her everlasting impression.
Michelle loved many things including her job, fishing, camping, road trips, crocheting, animals, and most of all, anything that included her family. She never missed an event for her children and encouraged them to chase their dreams without passing judgement. Even when times became hard, she never missed a beat. Michelle was a strong, stubborn, determined, good willed and loving woman. She proved to everyone that anything was possible no matter the challenge. After she had to stop working, she never lost her support from the community and loved ones. In return she fought her battle with cancer with every breath she took until it was time for her to join her beloved father (Raymond Buckley) in heaven.
Michelle is survived by her children and grandchildren; Michael Buckley, Brandon Buckley, Blake Buckley, Miah Buckley her two grandchildren Dallas Buckley and Nyx Buckley. She was also survived by her mother Alice Buckley; her sister Angela (Jeff) Maser; their two children along with numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Upon a previous request from Michelle, anyone attending her services should dress casually, after all she was the jeans and nice shirt kind of gal.