Michelle "Shelly" Linn Studebaker, 33, of Topeka, went home with the Lord on Wednesday, September 21, 2011.
She was born to John P. and Kathy M. Studebaker on February 9, 1978, in Topeka. Michelle attended Topeka West and transferred to Washburn Rural High School, where she graduated in 1996. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Washburn University with a degree in Social Work in 2001.
Michelle worked for St. Francis Hospital's Human Resource Dept., Student Services at Washburn University, Topeka Public Schools in both the Visually Impaired and Hearing Impaired programs, Kansas Disability Rights Center, and then later went to work for the Kansas Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
She attended Grace United Methodist Church, Topeka.
Michelle is survived by her parents, John and Kathy Studebaker, Topeka; a brother, Jeff (Janet) Studebaker, and their son, Jack, Topeka; a sister, Julie (Mark) Hafenstine, and their daughter Brianna and son Ryan, Lawrence; grandmother, Eleanor Studebaker, Topeka, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Paul Studebaker, Gail and Ila Kingsley, and guide dog, Inca.
Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 27, 2011, at Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Road, Topeka. Burial will follow at Auburn Cemetery, Auburn. Michelle will lie in state after 3:00 p.m. Monday, September 26, 2011, at the funeral home, where the family will receive friends from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be given to Kansas Specialty Dog Services, 124 W. 7th Street, Washington, KS 66968.