Michele Renee McNelis

Michele Renee (Pasek) McNelis, 48, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Kansas University Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas with her family by her side.

Michele was born on September 29, 1977, in Russell. She was the daughter of Ernest E. and Ronda K. (Stickney) Pasek. She grew up in Russell and graduated from Russell High School in the Class of 96. She then attended the North Central Technical School in Hays, Kansas.

After graduation she worked for Smith Bureau of Investigation, Southwind Bank and the Russell Regional Hospital. Michele was united in marriage to Patrick McNelis on August 1, 2009, in Corcoran, Minnesota. They made their home in Russell except when he was working out of town and Michele & Lainey would travel with him. Patrick preceded her in death on March 7, 2022. She looked forward to football season to see the Kansas City Chiefs play football and loved trying to solve the puzzles on Wheel of Fortune. She was so excited when she found out she was going to be a grandma.

Michele’s surviving family includes her daughter, Lainey Krayca (Stephen Larocque) of Russell, Kansas; mother, Ronda Pasek of Russell, Kansas; granddaughter due in December and her cat, Marshmallow. She was preceded in death by her father and husband.

A Celebration of Michele’s Life will be held at a later date. The family has chosen cremation. Condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.