Michelle "Micki" Brooks

Michelle Ann (Clark) Brooks, lovingly known as Micki by her family and friends, passed away far too soon on August 26, 2025, at the age of 49, after a courageous battle with an extremely rare and aggressive form of cancer. She was surrounded by her loved ones in her final moments. Michelle was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Virginia (Stueve) Clark, and her father, Kenneth Clark. Micki is survived by her devoted husband of 20 years, Steve Brooks, and their two beloved sons, James and Ben, who were the center of her world. As the heart of both her immediate and extended family, Micki was a natural matriarch—always bringing people together with warmth, grace, and unwavering love. She also leaves behind her cherished siblings: Gretchen (Brian) Burke and Brad (Angela) Clark. Micki shared a deep and nurturing bond with them and was a second mother to her nieces, Molly and Emma Burke, and her nephew, Drew Burke. She also cherished the time spent with her out-of-town nieces and nephew, Caty, Tess and Matthew Harter. Micki will be remembered for her kind spirit, her caretaking soul, and her sharp wit—often delivering one-liners that brought laughter and light to those around her. Her selflessness and dedication to helping others as a wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, and proud nurse left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She gave of her time selflessly, volunteering and always seeking ways to ease your burden with unending acts of kindness. She is one in a million. As we remember Micki, we invite family and friends to gather in celebration of her life. Visitation will be held on September 2, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Westbrock Funeral Home located at 5980 Bigger Rd., Kettering, OH. A Mass in her honor will take place the following day, September 3, 2025, at St. Charles Borromeo, starting at 10:30 AM. Following the Mass, a graveside service will commence at Calvary Cemetery, 1625 Calvary Ave., Dayton, OH, where we will bid our final farewell to a remarkable woman.

While at Ohio's Hospice the family of Michelle was presented with this beautiful Nursing Honor Guard Tribute: Their goal is to honor the patients who are nurses.

"Nursing is giving of oneself to enhance the lives of others. We join today to honor you, Michelle, for your commitment to caring. We want to formally acknowledge your many years of service as a nurse and to note that your accomplishments are measured in the lives you affected through dedication and perseverance.

Michelle, following in her mother's footsteps, achieved her goal of becoming a Registered Nurse. She graduated from Wright State University with her bachelor's degree in 2000. She spent the duration of her career assisting during procedures and care of patients with issues of the digestive tract. She worked at Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton Gastroenterology, and for Digestive Specialists. She humorously referred to herself as working with "butts and guts". She dedicated over 20 years to the nursing profession. 

Michelle has always been a jokester, quick-witted, and loved by all who knew her. She is proud of her career, but most proud of her family. She is a daughter, sibling, wife, and a mother to two sons. 

Thank you, Michelle, for your legacy of caring, and for all you have given to the nursing profession".

                                                        You Were There

                                        (A poem written for nurses by a nurse)

When a calming, quiet presence was all that was needed, you were there.

In the excitement and miracle of birth or in the mystery and loss of life, you were there.

When a silent glance could uplift a patient, family member or friend, you were there.

At those times when the unexplainable needed explained, you were there.

When the situation demanded a swift foot and sharp mind, you were there.

When a gentle touch, a firm push, or an encouraging word was needed, you were there.

In choosing the best one from a family's "thank you box of chocolates" you were there.

To witness humanity-its beauty, in good times and bad, without judgment, you were there.

"The Nursing Honor Guard of Ohio's Hospice would like to honor you, Michelle, who have served selflessly and dedicated your life to nursing. Though your nursing tasks are complete, they are not forgotten. It is our honor to express our respect for you as a nurse, and our gratitude for the care that you have given. We formally thank you, Michelle, for your service".