Michele Mcever

Michele Elizabeth (Tarver) McEver, of Edmond, OK, passed away December 18, 2018 at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at the age of 61. Michele has been the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nurse Manger at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City since the early 1990s. She started her career as a registered nurse in the Mercy NICU in 1979 at the age of 22 and was involved in caring for the lives of thousands of fragile infants. Michele was also involved in caring for the lives of hundreds of her nurses throughout her career. She was far more than a boss to most of them, she was a loyal and trusted friend. Michele was part of the transport team that assisted with the recovery efforts of the children affected by the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building bombing in Oklahoma City in 1995. Michele was born on September 17, 1957, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Raymond E. and Elizabeth M. (Reeves) Tarver. She was their only child. Michele moved to Oklahoma to begin her nursing education after graduating from high school. She is preceded in death by her father and mother. Michele is survived by her husband Rick McEver, three stepchildren, multiple grandchildren, as well as multiple beloved pets. Michele was an avid animal lover including dogs, horses and pigs. She and Rick enjoyed traveling especially to Big Cedar Lodge and New Mexico. The bulk of Michele's life was spent hiring, training, encouraging, and deeply loving her Mercy NICU staff. A leader of exceptional wit, humor, strength and perseverance, Michele exemplified integrity and always stood by her word. She was a secret keeper and an encouragement giver. A surrogate mother to many of her staff and grandmother to their children, Michele leaves a void that will never be filled and a legacy that will live on forever. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, coworkers and all who knew her. Arrangements are being handled by Smith & Kernke Funeral Home located at 14624 N. May Ave in Oklahoma City. A viewing will take place December 21st from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm at the funeral home followed by a funeral service on Saturday, December 22nd at 1:00 pm with burial at Resurrection Cemetery located at 7500 W Britton Road in Oklahoma City. Casual attire encouraged. In lieu of flowers, Rick would like donations to be made to Tornado Alley Bulldog Rescue in Michele's memory.