She was born in McAlester, Oklahoma, on August 18, 1946. Since that day, she has spent every moment gathering life experiences. Misha spent a majority of her life pursuing knowledge. Misha obtained a double Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and Chemistry and a Master’s Degree in Sociology. She spent most of her professional career as a clinical laboratory technician while maintaining an interesting life. She participated in Civil Rights marches in Oklahoma, loved attending drag shows in San Francisco, and lived in a commune. Misha had a ferocious appetite for knowledge. She spent most of her life in the mountains of Arizona, walking with her canine companions and meeting new people along the way.
After Misha’s cancer diagnosis in 2024, she made the trek to Northern Illinois to live with her daughter, Emily. She brought her two dogs, Skeeter and Wilson, who adored Misha and will miss her dearly. Misha was granted two wonderful years to be close with her family. Many stories and laughs were shared.
Misha is preceded in death by her parents, Laverne (Myskey) Jenkins and Clifton Steve Jenkins, and her sister, Mary Francis (Jenkins) Schumaker. Misha is survived by her daughter, Emily (Griffin) Rose, and Emily’s partner, Scott Bonnell; her granddaughter, Molly Rose (Dave McCarver), and her three great-grandchildren, Griffin Ohlendorf and Eamonn McCarver, and Breena Graves. If Misha could impart any last wisdom, it would be to touch the grass and speak to the trees.
