Mikel J Shilling

Mikel "Mike" Shilling, age 87 of Green Valley, AZ passed away on Sunday, July 30, 2023. Born Mikel Joanne Massoglia in Oregon in 1936, she spent her childhood there and in California. She married Melvin L Shilling on 2 September, 1956, and received her Bachelor of Science in business administration from the University of Arizona in 1958.

She worked for the U.S. Forest Service for 21 years as a writer, an environmental specialist, and congressional liaison, serving two stints in Washington, D.C. While Mikel was with the Forest Service, the agency conducted its first review of its roadless lands to see if they were suitable for conservation. Mikel was a writer for what was called the Roadless Area Review and Evaluation project, which wrapped up in 1972.

After retiring, she and Mel moved to Green Valley, Arizona, in 1994. Their retirement years brought many international travel adventures: They visited China, Turkey, Egypt, Costa Rica, Brazil, England, Ireland, Finland, and Russia, among other countries.

Not long after moving to Green Valley, Mikel found herself involved with the Portillo Hills II homeowners association, the Tubac Center of the Arts, the Green Valley Council, Pima County Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Greater Green Valley Community Foundation. She served a tour as President of the Green Valley Community Coordinating Council. She was also appointed to several Arizona Department of Transportation committees. Most recently, she served as chairwoman of the board of the Green Valley Fire District for 12 years.

Mikel is survived by her son Jeff, grandchildren Jake and Erik, great-grandchild Eleanor (all of the Baltimore area), and niece Meredith Brown of Marana, Arizona.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/tucson-cremation for the Shilling family.