In Loving Memory of Michelle Rae (Cook) Waite

Born on June 25, 1964 at Home Hospital in Lafayette, Indiana • At 10 months old her family established roots in Crawfordsville, Indiana where she lived her beautiful life.

Michelle Rae Waite—known affectionately as Mic or Rae—danced through life with a spunky spirit and a heart full of love. The Lord called Michelle into His arms on September 3, 2025 leaving behind a legacy of resilience, creativity, and fierce devotion to her family.

Born in Lafayette and rooted in Crawfordsville, Michelle lived by the motto: "Never stop dancing, no matter how heavy the storm." And dance she did—through every challenge, every joy, every ordinary day made extraordinary by her presence. Her medical journey was long and difficult, but she met it with courage, grace, and an unshakable will to keep moving forward.

Michelle's passions were as vibrant as her personality. She poured her soul into her artwork, filled her home with the comforting aroma of family recipes, and found joy in the simplest pleasures—riding with the windows down, music playing, hair in her face, and a Cinnamon Dolce Starbucks drink in hand. She loved spending time with her girls and never missed a chance to brag about her two beloved grandsons Jameson and Carter. Her kitchen was a sanctuary of tradition and love, and her recipes will live on, nourishing not just bodies but hearts.

Michelle is survived by two daughters; Karmon (Waite) Millburg & (Scott), Brooke (Waite) Harshbarger & (Chris), two grandsons Jameson & Carter, mother Patricia (Cook) Sowers, sister Stacey (Cook) Burkhardt & (Phil), brother Shane Cook & (Jeanette), two nieces Meagan Livesay & Erica Burkhardt, two nephews Caleb Meihls & Larry Cook, several uncles, aunts, and many cousins who will carry forward her legacy with the same laughter, strength, and love she gave so freely. She was preceded in death by her father Larry Dale Cook, step-father Dale Leon Sowers, grandparents Max & Virginia Cook, Harold & Betty Jacobs, aunt Judy Starnes, two uncles Rick & Daryl Cook, and her beloved cats Jagger & Carl whom she now joins in eternal peace.

A remembrance of Michelle's life will be held on 3:00 PM Sunday September 7 at Hunt & Son Funeral Home in Crawfordsville with a visitation beginning at 1:00 PM. The family invites donations to the Animal Welfare League in Crawfordsville in honor of Michelle's love for all animals, her generous spirit, and artistic soul.

Though she is no longer with us in body, Michelle's spirit remains—wild, warm, and wonderfully unforgettable. She taught us to dance through the storm, and we will keep on dancing for her.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.huntandson.com