Phippsburg - Michelle Diane King passed on Monday, June 26th after a life full of family, friends, love and laughter.

            Michelle was born on March 26, 1959 to Stanley Doughty Sr. and Nancy McBrine Doughty. Michelle loved to tell stories of her childhood living on Vinalhaven and helping her father tend Brown’s Head Light during his time in the Coast Guard. From hikes on Tiptoe Mountain to quarries with no bottom, Michelle held the memories of island life near to heart. When her family made their permanent move to Phippsburg the adventures continued. With her siblings, Stanley (Buddy) Doughty Jr, Cathy Doughty, and Michael Doughty, her sisters by marriage Abby (Gilliam) Doughty and Ginger (Mitchell) Doughty, many cousins and friends Michelle was always ready to join in on the fun. Tales of sledding on car hoods down snowy hills, riding her horse bareback through the fields, and car ride fire drills, brought laughter no matter how many times they were told.

            It was in Phippsburg that Michelle met her future husband, David King Sr. The two began dating as teenagers, married in their twenties, and began their own family soon after. Michelle was a mother in every sense of the word. She loved her children, Shalon (King) Hersom and David King Jr, and saw to it that they were raised kind and strong. When Shalon and her husband, Josh Hersom, had their first child Michelle started what she called the “best job ever,” being a grandmother. Her grandkids, Sloan and Grady, knew that at “G’s” house they were bound to score a sleepover and an extra popsicle because “G’s house, has G’s rules.”

            Michelle loved being surrounded by people. She was always planning the next cookout, birthday, or holiday. She was the driving force in keeping a big, boisterous, family together. Family parties always included Michelle’s aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She had special relationships with all. When people talk about Michelle her strength and happiness will be qualities that will forever be part of the conversation. It was a running joke that Michelle couldn’t be anywhere too long without making friends. A long line for pizza could result in Michelle learning someone’s life story. Though she easily made friends with strangers she cherished her close friendships that she would joke, “I really do have a wide variety.” From her childhood best friend, to her “Florida Crew,” the “Deli Girls,” and her “Old Lady Dinner” group, Michelle made (in her words,) “Some really great friends.”

            Per Michelle’s request there will be a private family ceremony at a later date. In her memory love those around you a little stronger, remember “it could be worse,” and always look for the positives in the life around you.

To share your thoughts and condolences with the family, please visit www.desmondfuneralhomes.com