Mrs. kuchenbaker was born in Keokuk, Iowa on September 24, 1943, the daughter of the late Marion Rose Long Wade and Francis Lynn Wade. She was a faithful attender of the Stripling Chapel United Methodist Church, and was retired from the Aegon Insurance Company where she was Director of the Premium Processing Division. When her children were in their early teen years she became a single mother. Her tremendous work ethic would not allow her to short change her work, so she rose long before most to achieve her maximum work productivity. This allowed her to have precious time with her girl’s to attend all of their school functions, extracurricular events, and even serving as a softball coach. Her desire to provide all the little extra’s for children kept her up late at night making designer Barbie cloths to sell at Christmas time. After many years she met and married the love of her life, Jim Kuchenbaker. They were a tremendous team and had many wonderful years together. They particularly enjoyed foreign travel, and visited fifteen countries. After retirement they moved to Franklin, Georgia where they quickly became vital members of the community. With their many talents they jumped right in to help with any need. They worked tirelessly to help keep the Heard County Food Pantry going. Their desire to help with this most noble cause has helped to feed many families, and see that children have food when they are not in school. With her tremendous gift of designing and making cloths she quickly jumped into making costumes for the Taste of a Chattahoochee Christmas, and the Heard County Fourth of July Spectacular. Word got out of “Miss. Micki’s” gift and girls from all over the county sought her to dress them for special occasions! Even though her sewing was lovely, it was the love and interest that she showed to each girl that made them want to have her attention. Her greatest joy in sharing her gift of sewing was with her grandchildren. Whether it was a special occasion dress, a Halloween costume, designer purse, or play outfit, not one was sown without a tremendous amount of thought and love for the particular grandchild. Out of all her gifts, and there were many, her greatest attribute was the tremendous love and generosity she shared with not only her family, but each person she met. No task was too great for her to undertake if it benefit others. Her loving spirit will long be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband Jim kuchenbaker of Franklin, GA. ; three daughters, Debi Wright (Mike) of Dallas, GA., Lauri Morataya of Kennesaw, GA., and Teri Wilson (Rick) of Greencastle, PA.; two sisters, Karen Allen of Houston, TX. and Meri Wade of Cedar Rapids, IA.; one brother, John Wade (Nancy) of Pensacola, FL.; two sisters-law, Becky Wade Cedar Rapid, IA, and Lois Voss (Ray) of Minneapolis, MN.; and seven beloved grandchildren.
Other than her parents she was preceded in death by her much loved brother, Bob Wade.
In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to the Heard County Food Pantry.