Michelle Ziska, 59, of Urbana passed away at 12:55 a.m. Sunday, November 23, 2014 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Michelle was born August 10, 1955 in Decatur, IL a daughter of G. William and Rebecca J. (Beckham) Ziska. She graduated from Urbana Sr. High in 1973 and also attended the University of Illinois.

Survivors include her mother, two sisters, Veronica (Champ) Walker of Washington, IL and Bonnie (Tim) Millikan of Urbana, one brother, W. Byron Ziska of Urbana, one niece, Stephanie Millikan, and three nephews, Christopher Walker, Eric Walker, and Jacob Ziska. She was preceded in death by her father and one brother, W. Anthony Ziska.

Michelle loved books, spending many happy hours at the local libraries. She also loved British comedies, science fiction, mysteries, Jan Brett art and all animals (with a special fondness for cats). She had a keen artistic eye, excelling at carving. Michelle amazed with her bargain hunting and pie baking skills. She was an avid collector and a loyal fan of the Illini and Cubs.

The family would like to offer a special thanks to the caring staff of Carle. A memorial service is pending for mid-December.