Michelle Kay (Smith) Barkovich, of Lawton, passed away at Bronson Methodist Hospital Sunday, April 27, 2014. She was born July 15, 1961 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Ronald Alger and Carol (Eaton) VanLuke. She was adopted as a baby and raised by Marvin and Gayle Smith of Lawton. Both her biological and adoptive parents have preceded her in death.
She is survived by her husband, Michael Barkovich, and her son, Eric Barkovich. Surviving family members from her biological side include a brother, Ronald Alger, Jr., a sister, Lee Anne (Eric) Olson, a half-brother Kyle VanLuke, and two half-sisters, Melissa Alger and Mary (Pete) VanLaarhoven. On her adoptive side, she is survived by her brother, Eric (Krysten) Smith. She is also survived by her husband’s parents, Louis and Joanne Barkovich, along with various in-laws and many nieces and nephews on both sides.
Michelle was a loving wife and mother. Family was what she cared about above all else, and she showed it. Michelle worked a variety of different jobs before she decided to become a stay-at-home mom following the birth of her son. She loved animals, particularly dogs, which she raised and cared for throughout her life.