Michelle Ann Rathkamp

PEORIA – Michelle Ann Rathkamp, 39, of Peoria, Arizona passed away on Thursday, April 1, 2021 after a valiant battle against cancer. Michelle was born on January 25, 1982 in San Mateo, California to Barry Edward Rathkamp and Cheryl Ann Meador.

Michelle, a warrior for justice, was a veteran criminal defense attorney for the indigent. Anyone who knew Michelle knew she was a passionate and relentless advocate for her clients in particular and the disadvantaged in general. Michelle would often work late into the evening hours developing mitigation and drafting deviation requests in order to obtain the best possible outcomes for her clients. Outside of work, Michelle served on the Board of Directors for the Homeless Legal Assistance Project. Michelle selflessly put the needs of others in front of her own in every context of her life.

Michelle brought a razor sharp -- albeit often gallows -- sense of humor that would evoke riotous laughter from those around her. To her friends (of which there are many), Michelle was fun to be with in the good times and a reliable supporter in the bad times.

Michelle was love. In every aspect, every action, decision, moment of her life always brought goodness to the world. She was not only an advocate for the indigent, but a great ally of local businesses, often hosting events to help them succeed. She volunteered many hours to help her local humane society and Friends of the library. She volunteered at the Phoenix Library’s gift shop and often would be found shopping at local thrift shops.

She is preceded in death by her father, Barry, kitties, Kurio and Kyo, and her uncle Travis.

Michelle is survived by her younger sister, Maureen (Drew), her mother, Cheryl, her dog Kitsuni, kitty Shinobi, Aunts Lisa (Tony) Barela and Lynnie Smith, many cousins, and the countless friends and lives she touched in her short time on this earth.

A Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Heritage Thunderbird Funeral Home.

“A mature person is one who does not think only in absolutes, who is able to be objective even when deeply stirred emotionally, who has learned that there is both good and bad in all people and in all things, and who walks humbly and deals charitably with the circumstances of life, knowing that in this world no one is all knowing and therefore all of us need both love and charity.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

In lieu of flowers please donate to your local Humane Society in Michelle’s honor.