Michelle Detterick went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 4, 2024. Linda Michelle was born on January 14, 1953 to Ralph and Mary Hensley in Charleston, WV. She was the third child of four and a born peacemaker. The family moved to Silver City in 1961 from Russellville, Ohio and Silver City became a lifelong home to Michelle. After graduating from Silver High School, she earned a Bachelor in Sociology from Trinity University in San Antonio and a Masters in Education from Western New Mexico University. Michelle was a devoted and loving wife and mother. She married Robert Detterick on August 31, 1974.
Michelle started her career as a Social Worker; but when motherhood came along, she decided to go into teaching to be home with her children. Their first born, Diana Detterick, now lives with husband Andrew in England and their son, Mark Detterick, lives with his wife Tona and 3 children in Boerne, TX. Michelle took much joy in being “Mimi” to Grace, Nico, and Madi. She is also survived by brother Michael (Diana) Hensley of Animas; sisters Chris (Len) Bunts of Buckhorn, and Kate (David) Dellinger of Whitewater, Kansas.
Michelle went on to teach for 10 years at the Agape Christian School and had a passion for teaching reading and English. She continued her career as the Executive Director for Literacy Link Leamos for the next ten years where she was instrumental in the program being awarded “The Best in the State” by the New Mexico Coalition for Literacy.
For a quiet and genteel woman Michelle definitely had a flair for the dramatics which she used for spreading the word of the Lord. Whether this was through characters that she created or through her clown ministry that she took to church camps and Sunday schools, Michelle was passionate about sharing her love for God. She liked creative writing and many of her writings circulated among local theologians for coffee and discussion. Michelle was active in the early Aglow Chapter and led numerous Ladies Bible studies.
Other hobbies that Michelle enjoyed were making cards, scrapbooking and journalling. Her scrapbooks were cherished gifts when received for birthdays and graduations. Bob and Michelle were avid NASCAR fans and visited many tracks around the country decked out in her “20” gear. Another interest was nature. She could be found many a morning sitting at their dining room table watching the birds and squirrels. They enjoyed camping, Sunday afternoon drives and picnics while hiking; but their favorite was the time spent at the beach. This love of beach was passed on to their children and now grandchildren. Many family times together at the beach are cherished memories. All of her family will remember her avid love of cards and games and the many fun times spent playing around the dining room table.
In loving memory of Michelle, we invite you to celebrate her life and legacy on Saturday, April 13th at 10am at Terrazas Funeral Chapels in Santa Clara, NM. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests that a donation in Michelle’s name be made to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation. She fought the battle with prayer, valor and dignity. We are certain she heard the words, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” Rest in peace Michelle, you are greatly loved!