Michelle Ann Schonack, 61, passed away from a heroic, three-year battle with cancer on Dec. 13, 2022, at St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Washington. Michelle was born on Oct. 28, 1961, in Ashland, Oregon to Richard and Aurelia Decker.
Michelle grew up in Ashland, Oregon and graduated from Ashland Senior High School in 1979. After high school, Michelle attended Columbia Christian College in Portland, Oregon. In 1980, Michelle moved with her family to Creswell, Oregon.
In the summer of 1980, Michelle came to Centralia, Washington, to visit a friend for a few days where she met her husband Ed. Michelle and Ed were married on Oct. 22, 1983. Michelle worked for six years at the Skipper’s restaurant in Chehalis, Washington, until she gave birth to their daughters, Krista in 1986 and Wyndee in 1987. In 1995, Michelle and Ed started a computer business with two partners. Michelle was the office manager up until her passing, also doing tech support. She had a way of making everyone feel welcome that entered the business.
Michelle was all about family. She instilled this into her daughters as well as her grandchildren. She spread kindness and love to everyone she met. Michelle’s smile was infectious and will be dearly missed. Michelle was a talented crafter, making greeting and holiday cards that are cherished by many. It brought her tremendous joy to be able to do this. One of her favorite happy places was Disneyland with her family. She was known to walk faster than the rest of her family to get to the first ride of the day. Michelle’s Christian faith and Christian family were a huge comfort during her time of sickness.
Michelle is survived by her mother Aurelia Ann Decker; husband Ed Schonack; her children Krista (Ray) Arellanes and Wyndee (Ben) Lomedico; grandchildren Zoey, Isabelle, Kaydence, Levi and Lincoln, all of Centralia; brother Rick (Diane) Decker, of Rice Hill, Oregon; brother-in-law Gary (Mary) Schonack, of Centralia; sister-in-law Lynda Schonack, of Centralia; sister-in-law Debbie Campbell, of Chehalis; and several nieces and nephews.
Michelle is preceded in death by her father, Richard Decker.
A memorial service for Michelle is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, at the Twin Cities Church of Christ, 502 E. Plum St., Centralia, Washington, 98531. A luncheon will follow the service in the church building.
