Michelle Barber Oberst

Michelle Barber Oberst

Michelle was born May 14th 1965 and died December 22nd 2024. She passed peacefully in the arms of her partner & caregiver, David W. Oberst (aka “Fish’N Bud”). After years of fighting Myotonic Dystrophy her muscles had no strength left and breathing just stopped.

Michelle was the second of four daughters born to Daniel Mulligan and Winifred (Wendi) Winegar Mulligan of Dayton. She is preceded in death by her husband, Scott Barber (2015), her father, Daniel and her sister Margaret (Peggy). She is survived by her partner, David Oberst, her sons, Joshua Barber and Cameron Barber, her mother Wendi and sisters Danielle Mulligan and Maria Cruset.

Michelle grew up in Kettering Ohio and graduated from Fairmont West High School in 1983. She attended Bowling Green State University and earned her RN/BSN degree. Michelle married in 1993 and had a family; she was a loving and dedicated Mother to her boys. She was a fun-loving daughter and sister who treasured spending time with and taking the lead on all things medical for her family. As a nurse, she was exemplary. Her skillset, caring, compassion, love and dedication to her patients and profession was very evident. In May 2015 Michelle received “The Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses.” She was forced to retire from nursing in 2016 for unknown health reasons. After months of testing with no definitive results she was finally diagnosed with adult-onset Myotonic Dystrophy; a genetic muscular disease with no cure. 

By her side at this time was longtime friend of the family David Oberst. David stepped forward as her advocate and caregiver. It wasn’t long before this friendship turned to Love and two of them lived as partners until the end.

When Michelle was already 50 and diagnosed with a disease that could take her life in her 50’s; she chose to live to the fullest with David. Michelle loved to travel; with her favorite time being spent on a cruise ship with everything close by. She was always game for an adventure. When her legs lost strength, she reluctantly accepted using a wheelchair. However, it was in no time that she realized with David pushing her she could see so much more; especially in the aisles of her favorite stores. Michelle was always fashionable and loved anything related to flowers and jewelry. She enjoyed the annual trip to see the Red’s play. She was a rock’n roller and loved concerts; especially Kansas. Summertime meant the pool for her. As much as she enjoyed the sun, she relished her time floating in the pool as it relieved some of her constant pain. It also meant garage sales and she never missed a garage sale sign. As her disease progressed her time out became less; she spent the final few years of her life with her TV shows and movies and of course, David.

Having 2 near death experiences in this last year, David and Michelle knew her body was failing and planned their goodbye; in each other’s arms. Michelle was so sweet and loving, she never complained about her disease. She was more concerned about her disease keeping David from doing what he wanted to do. She was assured, he was doing what he wanted; taking care of Michelle. Michelle was a fighter, but most of all, a lover of life. She will be missed. Godspeed Michelle! 

Memorial donations may be made to the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation, 663 Thirteenth Street, Suite 100
Oakland, CA 94612. 

Visitation will be held Monday, January 6th, from 4:00PM - 6:00PM at Newcomer Centerville - 820 Miamisburg-Centerville RD. Dayton, OH 45459. A Funeral Service will be held the next morning, Tuesday, January 7th, at 11:00AM at the funeral home. Interment at Centerville Cemetery. To share a memory of Michelle or to leave a special message for her family, please visit the guest book below.