Michelle Rae Roberts

Michelle Rae Roberts passed away August 22,2021 at her home in Amarillo, Texas.

Michelle was born September 26, 1970 in Marshall Missouri.  She was adopted as an infant by Barbara and Marion “Rick” Roberts.   She graduated from Sanford-Fritch High School in 1988.  She attended West Texas State University and obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems in 1992.

After graduation Michelle went to work for Conoco-Phillips in Ponca City, Oklahoma as a Senior Analyst.  Michelle was a “foundation” volunteer for many of the arts events in Ponca City while she lived there.  If there was a need for a volunteer, she would be there, but her two favorite organizations were the Ponca Playhouse and the Poncan Theatre.  And her favorite spot was the stage manager’s desk.  Michelle worked on sets, helping hang lights - she described herself as the best ladder holder in the West - props, setting up and striking shows, selling tickets, ushering, if it needed doing Michele was there.

She had a very quick wit which usually appeared gentle, but there were many times that the recipient of that wit discovered a sharp cut much later. Her laughter and her giggle were infectious.  One could not stay serious when Michelle was laughing.  Her humor was frequently directed at herself.  In one instance, Michelle had finished her first scuba diving lesson, looked at herself in the wet suit, then requested a sign for her air tanks to read “not Shamu, Move Along.”  She had one of the most gentle and compassionate hearts, and readily accepted the restriction that she was NOT to watch “Charlotte’s Web”, “Bambi”, or “Old Yellar” by herself.

She later continued her education and received a Bachelor of Science in E-Commerce in December 2004 from Northwest Oklahoma State.  She also received a Masters of Business Administration from Cameron University at Lawton, Oklahoma that same year.

In 2005 Michelle went to work for Bell Helicopter in Amarillo, Texas as a Sr. Systems Analyst.  During her 16 year tenure at Bell she was a Sr. Software Analyst, Systems Specialist and finally a Sr. Business Intel Analyst.

Michelle was a leader.  She advocated for women.  She participated and at times led Bell Amarillo’s Women’s leadership forum.  One of her fellow workers at Bell said “The dynamic at work is so different without her presence”.

Michelle was always willing to help.  She pushed Bell’s team to raise money for Bell’s Toys for Tots charity every year.  Michelle was that person that volunteered for any event where Bell needed extra bodies  She filled a lot of roles: IT professional, business woman, avid reader, book editor, church volunteer, stage crew, Toastmaster, scrapbooker, knitter, cross stitcher, world traveler, fan girl, comic book dork, daughter, niece, cousin, God mother and friend.  Michelle extended the joy of family to include her closest friends and God children.  To describe being in Michelle’s company, one longtime friend said, “It is like being snuggled down in a quilt made of smiles.”

Michelle was a member of Polk Street Methodist Church in Amarillo where she participated in the women’s groups including the knitting group and book club.

Michelle volunteered with Amarillo Little Theatre.  She wore multiple hats there - always behind the scenes.  These varied from writing bios for the programs to assistant director. “The Amarillo Little Theatre was very fortunate when Michelle walked through the doors for the first time.  If she wasn’t assisting Jeff or Allen on a production, she was on the production crew in another way.  When she couldn't do either, she was handing out programs or selling concessions at intermission.   You might’ve even seen Michelle at ALT on a Saturday afternoon, providing lunch for the construction crew. One thing was for sure, she was in the audience for every show at least once, but usually more as she would bring guests who didn't normally attend.  Michelle was and always will be a part of the ALT legacy and family.  While her star is shining brighter than ever now, the ALT lights got a little dimmer the day she left us.  She will be missed but never forgotten.”

Michelle is survived by her mother and father although five days later her mother passed away.  She is also survived by her aunt Pat Austene of Hallsville, Missouri, her children Ben Austene of Hallsville, Missouri and Kelly Raines of Big Spring, Texas;  God children Chelsea Dane, Jacob Wright, Brandon Wright, Madison Wright, Isaac Cervantes, Lyric Cervantes, Javier Cervantes, Ruby Cervantes and Frankie Cervante,  numerous cousins and many friends.

Memorial contributions can be made to Amarillo Little Theatre, 2019 Civic Circle, Amarillo, Texas 79109.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.