Michelle Christine Heid

Michelle Christine Watts Heid’s passion for competition began the moment she put her softball glove on at age 9, inspired by her Dad, Jerry who played professional baseball in the Houston organization. Her competitive spirit drove her to be the best daughter, sister, sorority sister, business professional, wife, Mom, and of course a fearless athlete and tennis player. Let’s face it, Michelle always gave her all at everything she did.

As a big sister, Michelle was Stephanie’s biggest fan. She protected her, mothered her, coached her, supported her and was her biggest cheerleader.

It was in Pullman, Washington that she honed her skills as a people person while pursuing a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management at Washington State University. From the softball field to Greek Life at Alpha Omicron Pi (AOPI), Michelle made an impact on everyone she met, and always gave 100%. When Michelle first started her professional career, she quickly worked her way up the ladder at Marriott Hotels and continued to succeed in the hospitality field.

Michelle found the love of her life at Cyrus O’Leary’s in Spokane, Washington. When Jim and Michelle met, it was love at first site and for the next 26 years, they lived a true love story bringing two beautiful children into the world while helping each other become the best versions of themselves. Michelle was proud to carry the tradition marital bond that was exemplified by Grandma Betty and Grandpa Bob Schubert.

Michelle was selfless. She lived to make others happy, which inevitably made her happy. Whether it was gifting her sister Stephanie a WSU Cougars t-shirt for Bentley, her Neph-Dog (and we all know how Michelle feels about animals), the official cheer mom for Anna’s team, showing her passion towards an umpire during one of Jimmy’s baseball games, or converting to Jim’s love of craft beers, Michelle always went the extra mile for others, to make them feel special. She shared a special bond with so many and especially two close friends Kristin and “Patti Schmatty”.

When you walk into the Heid household, it takes seconds to see who Michelle truly is, a kind, loving Mother, Wife and Friend, full of compassion, encouragement and support. From the hand painted sign that reads “It is so good to be home” to the family photos that adorns the walls, there is no denying what was important to Michelle and her husband Jim was at the top of the list.

Once again Michelle’s passion for competition drove her to become Captain of the “Chicks with Sticks” Tennis team, where she led them to complete domination on the courts. Of course, Michelle scouted the competition to ensure victory and even made after match get-togethers absolutely legendary. YES -this was Michelle!

When Michelle went back to the work force, she joined the WellStar team as a health promotion representative and was the “light of the office and the team.” When Michelle learned about her diagnosis with Leukemia, she gave everything she had to fight this terrible disease. Michelle fought hard for a little over a year, which exceeded all expectations from the Doctors and Medical Experts.

Michelle will be missed for her kindness, her warm SMILE, her sassy wit, and how she inspired everyone to be better humans. Michelle was born on November 25, 1966 to Ginny and Jerry Watts in Seattle, Washington and is succeed by her beloved husband James Paul Heid, two children, Anna Heid, and Jimmy Heid, sister Stephanie Watts Quam and her “neph-dog” Bentley the Shih-tzu, Father Jerry Watts, Stepmother Sharon Watts, and Grandma Betty Schubert and several Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and many more loved family members.

We will miss you dearly and you are forever in our hearts Michelle.