Michele Cooley McKinney passed away suddenly after years of declining health on February 9, 2025, in Price, Utah surrounded by loved ones.
Michele was born on May 25, 1967 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Heber Grant and Sandra Smith Cooley. She was raised in South Salt Lake and experienced love from family, friends and neighbors who surrounded her. She loved the band KISS, and the singer Prince. She loved Starlight Mint Ice Cream and was the biggest fan of El Chihuahua Mexican Cantina. She loved writing poetry and being creative. She longed to travel and loved vacations with her family to Chicago and San Diego. Michele was master of her emotions and rarely allowed herself to raise her voice or stay angry.
Michele was a go getter from the star, biting other kids to get her way and dragging her newborn twin sisters around the house by their arms when mom wasn’t looking. She was a leader and did things her way. She was raised in a loving home with her five siblings and was taught love and compassion towards others at a young age by her parents. Michele was the kindest person. She often gave the few things she had to others in need, knowing that she was also in need. It brought her joy to pay it forward and many people have been the beneficiary of her sweet giving spirit.
Michele attended Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, Central Jr. High and Granite High School. Throughout her growing years, she participated in peewee cheerleading, school plays, ward sports, school sports, roadshows, and singing. She had a lovely singing voice. During high school she was a member of the concert choir, cheered with the Pitchfork Pinners, and enjoyed debate and drama, participating in school musicals.
Growing up on Blair Street provided her with all the fun she needed as a young kid. The neighborhood kids would play night games, perform plays in the Birrels’ backyard, sell lemonade for financial gain, and ride bikes until the street lights came on and her parents had to beg her to come inside. On Saturday night she took her turn getting pink foam curlers put in her hair to prepare for Sunday. If she didn’t sit still (and she had a tender scalp), mom would whack her in the head with her brush commanding her to keep still.
After graduation, she met and fell in love with Darren Scott Holt. Darren had recently divorced and was the father of a three year old son. They got engaged and were married on October 24, 1986.
The Holt family grew a year later when Amber was born shortly after Darren and Michele were sealed in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. With the addition of Skyler and Dylan, the family was complete. Michele was a loving mother who cared for her young children and was concerned with their health and welfare. The family learned how to pack a house and move after having several homes through the years. They loved living with Grandma and Grandpa Holt and were blessed by their kindness.
Michele didn’t need a lot of money to make fun for her kids. She’d walk them to Arctic Circle for kiddie cones, and then step into the Costume Closet that was next door to do some window shopping. In the fall she’d celebrate Halloween with her kids. It was her favorite holiday. She would dress in fun costumes and had the Gene Simmons KISS make up down pat. She’d have chili and watch Rocky Horror Picture Show with the kids. She was always coming up with ideas to make fun experiences for her kids and to give them little adventures. Michele particularly enjoyed a trip to Colorado with the kids and Darren.
Michele attended The Bryman School and received her certificate for Medical Assistance. While she loved the work, it was hard to come by and eventually worked in different fields. She always considered herself a “Retired Nurse” and would give suggestions to those needing help with their health.
On July 1, 2017, Darren passed away and Michele was left a widow. She had devoted so much to caring for Darren and they struggled through many things together. She was devastated and often lamented his passing.
As she was trying to pick up the pieces, her knight in shining armor came along. She met Edward McKinney and there was an instant connection. There was a joy that was seen in Michele after meeting Ed that had been missing for years. She mentioned many times that the past seven years with Ed have been some of the happiest times of her life. Just as with her first marriage, she gained another son as Ed’s son Patrick came as a package deal. She loved all five of her kids.
As she faced so much adversity the past few years, Ed and Patrick have been there to take care of her and love her. Her burden was lightened by their care for her.
Michele is a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She always followed her mother’s motto “You be You!!”
Michele is survived by her husband, Ed McKinney; children, Amber Marie (Chris) Elliott, Kearns, Utah, Skyler David Holt, Salt Lake City, and Dylan Mikel Holt (Emoni) of Salt Lake City; bonus kids, Christopher Holt and Patrick McKinney; great-grandma to many, including Hayleigh, Hannah, Mary, Ryken, Marren, Kenzie, Corbin, Madyn, Boston, and Champane; sisters and brothers, Annette (Rudy) Rank, Lynette Cooley Gurule (Kyle Warr), Paul Banks Cooley (Jason Owen), Mark Smith Cooley, and Heather (Rick) Quinn; also Dawn, Dani and Dave, her Holt in-laws who meant so much to her.
Preceded in death by her first husband, Darren Holt; parents, Grant and Sandra Cooley; parents-in-law, Jack and JoAnn Holt; sister-in-law, Darci; and many other aunts, uncles, cousins, and her loving grandparents.
A memorial service will be held to celebrate the life of Michele McKinney on February 22, 2025, at 304 E 2400 S, Salt Lake City at 12:00 p.m. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Michele at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.