Michele Watkins

Michele Watkins, age 61, of Byron Center, MI went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.

Shelly loved big. If you knew Shelly, you knew her smile and joy was infectious. She was warm and compassionate and she knew how to love well. She had a gift for making others feel special and if you were ever the lucky recipient of one of her hugs, you know they were the best.

Shelly had a heart for ministry and sharing the Gospel with those who were unreached. She was the proud co-founder and Executive Director of Genesis Waters, a ministry which provides clean water and the Gospel to those who do not have access to either, and was especially passionate about women’s ministry and helping to grow the faith of women who were historically undervalued in their countries.

She was preceded in death by her father, Ben Rich and her mother and father-in-law, Wayne and Martha Watkins.

Shelly will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 38 years, Ken; children, Blake (Kayla) and Paige Watkins; grandchildren, Nora Grace and Sophia Joy; mother, Margaret Rich; siblings, Michael Rich and Mindy Russell; and many other extended family and friends across the globe.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11 am on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Cornerstone Church, 1675 84th St. SE, Caledonia with Pastor Ken Nash officiating.  Relatives and friends wishing to visit the family may do so Friday, March 7^th from 5-8 pm and March 8^th from 10-11 am at Cornerstone Church.

Shelly’s desire was to spread joy, the way she spent her whole life, and she loved flowers.  She asked that those in attendance would bring a bouquet of flowers to decorate her service, and following the service you are invited to take a bouquet with you to spread joy to someone in your life who would enjoy them.

Those who wish, may make memorial contributions to Genesis Waters at www.genesiswaters.org/donate.