Michelle Yvonne Strutt, age 64, of Oakley, Kansas, passed away June 26, 2024, at her home.

She was born to the late Joe and Dorothy Shoemaker, on March 19, 1960, in Wichita, Kansas.  Michelle graduated from Greeley County High School, Tribune, Kansas.

Michelle married John Strutt on January 10, 1991 in Oakley after a “whirlwind courtship” as Michelle wrote in her children’s baby books.

She loved being a homemaker and was called “Yaya” by her grandchildren.  She was a talented grill cook and phenomenal waitress.  Over the years she had the pleasure of teaching many, the “tricks of the trade” in the restaurant business.  She spent her younger years working alongside her parents at the famous Burger Bar in Tribune.  She was manager at the Joe’s Corner Cafe in Oakley.

Michelle is survived by her husband, John Strutt, of the home, 4 children, 9 grandchildren and a great grandson.  Her son, Paul (Tori) Beaver, children:  Kayleigh, Logan, Keagin, Dillyn and Hadleigh; daughter, Ketti Kaster, daughter, Melody (Cory) Davis, Oakley, their children Rex, Alexa, Rilee and Declan; daughter, Andrea West; great grandson, Carter Ewing; sisters:  Lurine (Tom) Nutt, Tribune, Deborah Schmidt, Tribune, and Vicki (Dan) Moser, also of Tribune; her beloved brother, Michael Shoemaker and (Mitzi) of Arizona; brother-in-law, Darvin (Tammi) Strutt, Colby, dear niece, Tina Rodriguez, LaCrosse, as well as numerous other nieces and nephews.

Michelle was preceded in death by her parents, Joe, Jr. and Dorothy (Frailey) Shoemaker, her father-in-law, Richard “Dick” Strutt and mother-in-law, Pat Strutt, and brother in-law, Terry Strutt.

Graveside memorial service and inurnment will be on Monday, July 8, 2024, at 10 am, CDT at the Oakley Cemetery.  A reception will follow at the Kansas Kountry Inn in Oakley.

Memorials can be made to the Michelle Strutt Memorial Fund and sent in care of Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home, P.O. Box 221, Oakley, KS  67748.

Sign the online guestbook at www.kennedykosterfh.com.