Michelle Lynn Allison

Michelle was born on September 19, 1977, to Dean and Dorothy (Miller) Allison. The birth of her brother Cory four years later not only gave her a brother, but also one of her best friends throughout her life. When Cory married Staci Sullivan, Michelle got a sister. As the family grew, Cory and Staci’s daughters Lily, Ella and Cate provided Michelle with one of her greatest joys in life, being an amazing aunt.

Michelle graduated from Ankeny High School and later obtained her Bachelor’s Degree from Ashford Michelle Lynn Allison passed away peacefully on July 7, 2023, surrounded by her family whom she dearly loved, following a courageous battle with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, July 13, 2023 at the Ankeny Funeral Home, 1510 W. 1st Street, at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at the Ankeny Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Inurnment will be held in the Chariton Cemetery, Chariton, Iowa at a later date.

Michelle was born on September 19, 1977, to Dean and Dorothy (Miller) Allison. The birth of her brother Cory four years later not only gave her a brother, but also one of her best friends throughout her life. When Cory married Staci Sullivan, Michelle got a sister. As the family grew, Cory and Staci’s daughters Lily, Ella and Cate provided Michelle with one of her greatest joys in life, being an amazing aunt.

Michelle graduated from Ankeny High School and later obtained her Bachelor’s Degree from Ashford University. She loved working with children and dedicated 15 years serving as a beloved pre-school teacher whom the children called Miss Michelle. Her caring and compassion were valuable attributes when she was a member of the staff at Edencrest at Green Meadows memory care facility, as well as her tenure as a Patient Care Coordinator at Iowa Home Care and then a Program Coordinator for Iowa Total Care.

Michelle had many talents along with diverse interests and hobbies. She was extremely creative and loved craft projects, crocheting, and creating flower arrangements. She had a gift with plants which included growing herbs and landscaping flower beds. Another of her talents was completing home improvement or maintenance projects, so she was comfortable using power tools and learning the new skills needed for a project. However, her favorite leisure activities involved time spent with her family, especially her nieces. Even when her health prevented her from attending, she would be cheering the girls on while watching softball games or show choir concerts via livestream.

Michelle is survived by her mother, Dorothy Allison of Ankeny; brother, Cory (and Staci) Allison of Urbandale, and nieces, Lily, Ella and Cate Allison of Urbandale. She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Michelle was preceded in death by her father, Dean Allison, as well as her grandparents Clyde and Fern Allison and Everett and Ila Miller.

During Michelle’s numerous inpatient stays at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, she had the most incredible care team. They are gifted professionals who genuinely care about their patients. Thus, they were not simply caregivers but also became very special friends. Additionally, Michelle adored the certified therapy dogs who visited the unit to bring joy and comfort to patients. These special dogs were honorary members of Michelle’s care team. As Michelle’s family, we would like to convey our heartfelt thanks to these extraordinary people and pets.

For those who may wish to make a donation in Michelle’s memory, the family offers two suggestions.

Furry Friends program at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics provides the visits by certified therapy dogs to patients.

The mailing address is: University of Iowa Hospital Volunteer Services

ATTN: Furry Friends, 200 Hawkins Drive, 8025. John W Colloton Pavilion, Iowa City, IA. 52242

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). A variety of donation options are available including online, by mail or by phone. Online: www.LLS.org. Phone: 888-557-7177 Mail: Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, PO Box 22324, New York NY 10087

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AnkenyFuneralHome.com for the Allison family.