Michelle Ann Searle Hooper

With heavy hearts and profound gratitude for her life, we announce that Michelle Ann (Searle) Hooper, 72, passed away in her home on August 15, 2026.

Michelle was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on November 16, 1953, to Donald and Norma (Andrew) Searle. The Searle family relocated to San Diego, California, in 1967. Michelle grew up in a loving home where she cherished her childhood and adored her parents, brothers, and sisters. She graduated from Clairemont High School, where she was an active skier, sprinter, and talented softball pitcher. She later attended Brigham Young University, earning an Associate Degree before moving to Reno, Nevada, where she met the love of her life and devoted husband, Charles "Chuck" Iverson Hooper.

Her sharp mind, quick intellect, and work ethic showed in everything she did. Michelle was a lifelong learner famous for reading through the entire family library, including a full encyclopedia set, and reading stacks of books at incredible speed. She possessed exceptional administrative talents, mastering shorthand while working for a prominent law office in San Diego, where attorneys frequently requested her assistance due to her skill and efficiency. After moving to Nevada, she worked for the Nevada Cement Company and later in the insurance industry, earning the deep respect and affection of employers and clients alike.

In Reno, Michelle and Chuck began their family, and she stepped into her true calling as an extraordinary mother. Michelle found her greatest fulfillment in her family's happiness. She poured her heart into creating a warm, joyful home, lovingly sewing custom dresses and pajamas for her children, cooking delicious meals, and ensuring her children were always supported, guided, and cherished.

Michelle possessed pure charity and dedicated her life to continual service. As an adult, she re-taught herself to play the piano so she could play church hymns for her family and congregation. She was a selflessly devoted daughter who cared for her father at the end of his life, and she shared a deep, mutual affection with her parents-in-law, Ceta and Harry.

She loved making memories, entertaining those around her, and bringing laughter into every room. She was a fun prankster, an avid sports fan, and deeply loved animals; she cherished her pets with all her heart, and animals were naturally drawn to her warmth. To her grandchildren, she brought endless fun, constantly spoiling them, reading to them, playing games, and crafting alongside them.

Above all, Michelle was defined by her Christlike love, humility, and unwavering faith. A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served faithfully in leadership callings including Stake Service Missionary, Relief Society President, Young Women President, and Primary President. She cherished her time in the nursery and worked as a dedicated ministering sister who brought gifts, messages, and genuine comfort to those in need. She also served her community through the PTA and remained deeply involved in her children's schools. Her primary focus was always her family, continually praying for them and submitting their names to the temple. She exemplified forgiveness, grace, and true sacrifice, finding her ultimate joy in her posterity.

Michelle is survived by her loving husband, Chuck; her children, Charelle (Carl) Whittaker, April (Spencer) Smith, Luke Hooper, and Conrad Hooper; and her cherished grandchildren: Abriha, Tallinn, Axum, Rowyn, Soren, and Tyler. She is also survived by her sister, Dawna McClain, of Sandy, Utah; her brother, Kit (Michelle) Searle, of Las Vegas, Nevada, and 21 beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Norma Searle; her beloved sister, Shaunie Davis; and her wonderful brother, Troy Searle.

Michelle’s resilience, pure love for life, the Savior, and others will continue to inspire us. Her family takes immense comfort in her firm testimony of the Savior and her confident knowledge that she is reunited with loved ones who passed before her.

Flowers are welcome and can be ordered through Larkin Sunset Gardens at (801) 571-2771. Or if you prefer, please consider making a tax-deductible memorial donation in Michelle's honor to the ASPCA online at https://secure.aspca.org/donate/memorial or by phone at 1-800-628-0028. To ensure the family receives notification of your gift, please include the notification email: chooper714@aol.com.

A viewing will be held Friday, September 4, 2026 from 9:30-10:45 AM at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary (1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd, Sandy, UT) followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM. An open house reception & luncheon will take place at 1:00 PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (11626 S 300 E, Draper, UT 84020).