With deep sorrow and abiding faith, we share that our beloved daughter, sister, niece, cousin, and friend, Michelle Denise Rieger, was called home to be with the Lord on June 22, 2025, at the age of 41.
Born on April 26, 1984, to Mike and Debbie Rieger, Michelle was the youngest of four daughters and brought a vibrant, unmistakable light into our lives. Her legacy lives on through her children—Olivia, Mack, and Alana, who were adopted and raised with love by her sister Paula and Paula’s wife, Christy Perry—and Naomi and Dre, who have been embraced by the Arsenault family.
Michelle is survived by her loving parents and three sisters—Paula Priest (Christy Perry), Lori Bridges (Dan), and Jennifer Rieger—each holding her memory close. She is also held in the hearts of her nieces and nephews: Nathan Haskenhoff, Brendan and Madison Bridges, Brayden Glotfelty, and Caelen Bowles. She is also lovingly remembered by her boyfriend, Demarko Smith her partner in life and in love.
Michelle’s story is one of both struggle and strength, laughter and love. Though her journey was marked with hardship, she never lost her hopeful spirit. She worked hard, loved deeply, and cared fiercely. She had an admirable work ethic, a protective soul, and a heart especially tuned to the struggles of others. Her quick wit, strong will, and uniquely tender heart will always be remembered by those who knew her best.
Though our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing that Michelle has been made whole again in the presence of her Savior. We believe that she is now at peace, held in God’s eternal embrace, free from pain and surrounded by the kind of love that never fades.
Services: Funeral from Kutis South County Chapel (5255 Lemay Ferry) on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 10:30 AM for 11:00 AM mass at St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Donations in Michelle’s memory may be made to Annie’s Hope, an organization that offers grief support to children, teens, and their families. Visitation at Kutis South County Monday, June 30 4:00 – 8:00 PM.
Michelle I will always remember you as a little girl with beautiful long pig tails (to tight of course) running around in my back yard full of snow with the crazy Dalmatian who kept stealing your snowballs and you and your sissy were having a blast giggling.
Fly High Shelly I hope you can rest in peace in no pain. . “ And no bustin a U Dawg “
Love always tell everyone hello up there.
Shelly, you have left this Earth for peaceful heaven, but just know you left a huge hole in your family’s hearts. Now grandma will be telling you to clean your room instead of me. Love Aunt Nancy
Shell you were a huge part of my life for many years, my best friend! I had never found a friend like you. We could spend weeks together and never fight or argue. We had so many great times that can never be erased. I loved you so much and would have done anything in the world for you. I hate that our decisions in life didn’t allow us to continue our friendship into later years. But, I still loved you from afar. Many prayers spoken for you. I always hoped that one day we would be able to reconnect and have you in my life again. But, I find peace in knowing you are in Heaven and no longer struggling. You will be missed Shell 💔 Give my mama a hug for me!