Michelle Payne Berchtold Obituary (1964 - 2006)

Michelle Berchtold peacefully passed away in her sleep on Saturday November 18, 2006, of breast cancer. She was surrounded by all seven of her children and many of her loved ones. She fought a hard fight and did so with courage, grace, and dignity. She withstood more pain and suffering than most can imagine, and yet always had hope and faith that what she was going through would allow her more time to raise her children. She never complained. Michelle was born on September 9, 1964 in Tremonton Utah the third child to VeLoy and Sharon Arlene Harvey (deceased) Payne. She attended and graduated from Box Elder High School. On February 6, 1993 Michelle married her soul mate Andy Berchtold. They were the parents of seven children. Michelle was a devoted wife and mother. Her whole life revolved around her family and providing a safe haven for them. She was their most ardent supporter and cheerleader and up until her sickness never missed a chance to cheer them on. She always encouraged them to reach high and to remember who they were and what they stood for. She will still expect great things from each one of them. She loves each one of them so much. She was so proud of each of them and they filled her days with immense joy. All she ever wanted to be was a wife and mother. There was never a greater teaser than Michelle and together with her husband they were lethal. She had a one of a kind sense of humor and could turn any situation good or bad into a terrific memory. Those who benefited from her fun will never forget the things that she could come up with. They like her were priceless. She kept her sense of humor right up until the final hours. Michelle enjoyed many things. She was an excellent homemaker and filled her home with beauty and love. She was very artistic and knew just how to put stuff together. She loved ice cream and even as a child would sneak bowls of it and when finished hide them under her bed. She loved to remodel houses and turn something that had been neglected into something of beauty again. She loved to travel and take vacations and has been fortunate in getting to do that with both her husband, good friends and her children. There are many memories of family vacations that will live in our hearts forever. Vacations will never be the same. She was a master of details and would turn the most simple of things into something extraordinary with small details. She loved to scrapbook but was always behind. She was an extra special friend and was comfortable in any situation. She was the life of the party, and knew how to make any party, from teddy bear picnics to neighborhood get togethers unforgettable. Michelle was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She was very active and had a firm testimony of her Savior, Jesus Christ. Her faith never wavered. Although she was scared at times she knew of her Heavenly Fathers love. Throughout her sickness she was able to read and learn so much and was so excited to be able to share that with others. She was a great example to so many and taught others always. She was never shy about standing up for what was right and what she believed in. She held many callings including Sunday School teacher, Primary Worker, Nursery Leader, Librarian, Visiting Teacher and many others. Michelle is survived by her husband Andy and their seven children. Abbey (Miche) Terry, Carly Jo 17, Jason 16, Shelby 12, Amanda 11, Traeden 7, and Casey 5. She adored them and they adored her. She is also survived by her father Veloy Payne. One brother Russ (Lucy) Payne, Roy; two sisters Altina (Phillip) Stott, Roy; and Chris (Barry) Hubble, Bear River City. She is also survived by her in-laws which although she never thought of them that way, Don and Carol Berchtold. She had tremendous love for them and constantly wrote in her journal her appreciation of their sacrifice to move close and help her through her sickness. They filled her with calmness and love. She is also survived by Andy's brothers and sisters. Robert (Sandy), Shelly Idaho; Debbie Call, Ogden; Kevin (Margaret), Salt Lake City; Jenae (Charles) Osman, Layton; Julie (Craig) Hulse, Brigham City; Ruth (Rich) Pulsipher, South Jordan; and Tom (Julie), Chula Vista California. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She loved every member of her family and was grateful for all of their love and support during this time. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday November 22, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at the Brigham City West Stake Center 895 North 625 West Brigham City. Friends and family may call on Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Myers Mortuary 205 South 100 East in Brigham City and Wednesday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 at the Stake Center. Interment will be in the Brigham City Cemetery. The family would like to thank her doctors, Dr. Gregg Wilding, and all of the other doctors and nurses at the Brigham Medical Clinic who did everything they could to help and support her. Also Dr. Regina Klein and the entire staff at Utah Cancer Specialists who are amazing. From the first day we were there we knew Michelle would receive the best care and they loved and treated us so well. A special thank you to Lisa who is a true hero. Finally a huge thank you to all of our friends and family members who have supported us and shown us the most kind and unconditional love possible, and have stuck with us from beginning to end. We love you and want you to know you have changed our lives with your kindness. I love you Michelle and although my heart is breaking will be forever grateful that you are my wife. VisitationMyers Mortuary - Brigham City 205 South 100 East Brigham City, UT 84302 November 21, 2006 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM ServiceBrigham City West Stake Center 895 North 625 West Brigham City, UT 84302 November 22, 2006 11:00 AM CemeteryBrigham City Cemetery 325 South 300 East Brigham City, Utah 84302 November 23, 2006