Michelle Renne Simpson, age 56 passed away peacefully on October 19th, 2024 after battling lung disease. She was born December 10th, 1967 in Kansas City, Missouri to Archie T. Welborn Jr. and Juanita Sue May. She met the love of her life, James, in June of 1990 when he was in town on business. James and Michelle fell madly in love, and he immediately whisked her away to the East Coast in 1991, where they started building their life and family together. A true family girl, and Midwesterner at heart, Michelle and James returned to the Kansas City area in 1995 to raise their boys with the people she loved.

Michelle’s greatest passion in life was raising her boys, and later, her grandchildren. She truly treasured each moment of the crazy, the mess, the laughter, the yelling, and thousands of hours at the family business… the baseball diamond. Life was measured in baseball seasons, not just the changing color of the leaves for Michelle. She never gave up on anyone, or anything. Known to be the neighborhood mama, the Simpson home was always packed with kids and known as the place to always find love and a full belly. Michelle loved big, no matter who you were.

She was the loving and devoted mother of Brandon Cody Simpson, Dylan Christopher Simpson, and Jacob James Simpson alongside Jacob’s wife, Elena, all of Grain Valley, MO. She spent her days spoiling her grand babies, Isabella, Sebastian, Benjamin, Wesley, Penelope, all who lovingly called her “Baby”.

Michelle was predeceased by: Father, Archie T. Welborn Jr.; Mother, Sue May; Brother, Archie T. Welborn III.

She is survived by: Loving husband, James Simpson; Brother, Patrick Welborn; Brother, Scott Welborn; Sister, Tammy Barnes; Mom, Dawna Welborn.

Michelle will be deeply missed, she leaves a giant hole in the hearts of those who knew her during her short time here. The family trusts that her legacy of loving others and never giving up on those who needed to be seen, will live on in the lives she forever changed.

Visitation will be 5-7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 24 at Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, Missouri. Funeral service will follow at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the house of bachelor’s left behind (and especially their new Matriarch, Elena) would appreciate grocery cards, or cards for cleaning services.

As they say on the ball field, Play Ball!

Obituary submitted by family.

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO 816-847-4441