Michele Ann Cleaver
September 19, 1961 – May 13, 2026
Michele Ann Cleaver, age 64, passed away on May 13, 2026, in San Tan Valley, Arizona. Born in Grand Island, Nebraska, Michele spent her life loving hard, speaking her mind and making sure the people around her always knew exactly where she stood (whether they asked or not).
Michele was a devoted mom, grandma, aunt, sister and friend who loved her family fiercely and unapologetically. She is survived by her daughter, Nicole Miranda; her son, Robert Cleaver; her son-in-law, Bryan Miranda; her sisters, Erin Carney, Stacey Denman and Kristen Denman; her nieces and nephews, Isaiah, Joey, Elijah, Bella and Kamani and her grandchildren, Aliyah, Jayden and Jackson, who were truly the center of her world.
Her grandchildren brought her more joy than anything else in life. She never missed a chance to cheer loudly from the stands at their games, spoil them whenever possible or teach them all the inappropriate things they definitely should not have learned from Grandma first. Michele had a talent for making everyone laugh, usually right after saying something completely unfiltered. She was honest to her core, hilarious without even trying and if she had an opinion, you were absolutely going to hear it.
Michele loved deeply and protected the people she cared about with everything she had. No matter what was going on in life, her family always knew they could count on her for love, support, advice and probably a little inappropriate-ness too.
She was welcomed into heaven by her late husband, Steve Cleaver, whom she loved dearly and missed tremendously.
Michele leaves behind a family who will miss her more than words can say. Though there is now an emptiness in their hearts, they will forever carry her love, her laughter, her stubbornness and all the unforgettable memories she created with them. Her spirit will continue to live on through the stories, jokes and love shared by everyone lucky enough to know her.
Photos
Amy Olson 
Charlotte Unser 
Eve Tulledge 
Barbara McConnell 
Marilyn Slattery
My dear sweet friend, I miss you already and am grateful we were able to reconnect with my moving here. You are such a true blue friend. Loving me no matter what and never hesitating to tell me the hard things. The only consolation for those of us that will miss you so much is that you’re reunited with the love of your life.
My sweet friend Michele. I posted a tribute on your FB page and texted your number . I really can’t say goodbye to someone who saved my from myself so many times. We shared so many laughs and some tears along the way. I have never had a friend like you that just Got Me. We could spend hours together over breakfast or a drink and still have more to talk about. Your Nikki and Rob know how much you loved them and all you did was for them.and I am sure your grandchildren felt your love. I know how proud you are of them all. I love you and I miss you so much.
I can’t believe you are gone…it doesn’t seem real and I wish it wasn’t. Some people leave memories. You left a mark. Your humor, your realness, and the way you spoke the truth made you unforgettable. Thank you for being exactly who you were to everyone who loved you. You will be deeply missed.
Shelly was born when we were in high school and such a blessing to all of us. I was blessed to have shared bits of her whole life.
I’m saddened to hear of Shelly’s death. We were friends in high school and reconnected through Facebook. I knew she was so proud of her grandchildren by all of her posts about them. I know she loved her family more than life and I am glad she is reunited with her love.