Michelle Bilyeu O’Connor
Michelle Bilyeu O’Connor, 60 of Holden, Missouri passed away on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at her home.
She was born Thursday, March 18, 1965 in Independence, Missouri, to the late Earnest Bilyeu and the late Mary (Clough) Bilyeu.
Michelle graduated from Shawnee Mission Northwest High School in 1983 and earned a degree in Commercial Art from Johnson County Community College.
She was the loving wife of Timothy O’Connor, marrying June 13, 1987.
Michelle worked for many years in retail for Walker Variety Store and later, Bomgaars where she was known for her warm smile and friendly spirit. She truly enjoyed connecting with people, and her kindness left a lasting impression on coworkers and customers alike.
Outside of work, Michelle’s true passion was art. She was an incredibly talented artist, and creating was not just a hobby, it was part of who she was. She needed to make art to feel whole, and through her creativity she brought beauty, color, and meaning into the lives of those around her.
In 1992, Michelle alongside her husband Tim, joined the Freedom of Road Riders, where she proudly served as Secretary and Newsletter Editor. Michelle rode a Honda Rebel motorcycle and very early on became known as “Rebel” which was fitting for her bold personality. She was a passionate advocate for this organization which was a statewide voice for Missouri motorcyclists’ rights. Michelle dedicated herself wholeheartedly to this organization and the riding community she loved so much. The friendships she built there became an important part of her life.
Michelle also poured her creativity into making floats for her family’s Kansas City St. Patrick’s Day Parade entry, a tradition she cherished. Michelle joined Tim’s hand in friendship in 1981 and has been designing, building and creating the family floats alongside the O’Connor family ever since.
She was a true social butterfly who loved gathering with friends and family, especially at Halloween where their family tradition of huge Halloween parties were filled with laughter, costumes, and unforgettable memories. Michelle’s vibrant spirit, artistic soul, and loving heart touched so many lives.
She was involved in countless activities and communities, always giving of herself and brightening every room she entered. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered forever.
Surviving are her husband, Timothy O’Connor of the home; one child, MJ O’Connor of Holden; one brother, Mitchell (Debbra) Bilyeu of Osage Beach, MO; her in-laws, Mike and Nancy O’Conner and Tim’s ten siblings. She is preceded in death by her parents.
The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Campbell-Cast Funeral Home, 407 S. Pine St. Holden, Missouri. A celebration of Michelle’s life will follow at 2:00 PM. Memorials may be made to Freedom of Road Riders at www.forr.net
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Campbell-Cast Funeral Home, a Stewart Family Funeral Home Company. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.castfuneralhome.com
