Michelle Mary Lewis, 51

Michelle Mary Lewis, 51, of Osburn, passed away suddenly from natural causes on October 21, 2018, in Rapid City, South Dakota, while on vacation. She was born on March 8, 1967, in Grand Marais, Minnesota. Michelle was the daughter of Charles E. Lewis and Mary A. (Hochstetler) (Lewis) Reynolds.

Michelle attended public schools in Minnesota and Montana, graduating from Capital High School in Helena, Montana, class of 1985. Michelle was determined to get a good education so she could help others. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. Michelle went on to earn her master’s degree in Social Work in 2008 from the University of Minnesota Rochester.

In her social work career, one of her greatest accomplishments was to be part of the team that developed and implemented a warmline service in the state of Minnesota. A warmline is a non-emergency phone line, staffed by volunteers, for people working on their mental health recovery. Later, Michelle worked as a program coordinator, supervising a staff of ten, who provided case management services for individuals with a dual diagnosis of developmental disabilities and mental health issues.

In 2009, Michelle moved to Idaho to be closer to her family and then began work as a PSR/Case Manager to help clients gain independence and have positive life experiences. Since 2016, Michelle worked as a Licensed Master Social Worker and therapist at Healthy Resolutions in Kellogg. Michelle was on a path to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She loved providing support to her clients to help them live lives with respect and dignity.

Michelle was preceded in death by her mother Mary A. Reynolds; grandparents, Ellis and Jeannette Lewis, and Harry and Mabel Hochstetler; and several aunts and uncles.

Michelle is survived by her father and stepmother, Charles and Judy Lewis, Wallace; siblings, Charlene Moss, Osburn, Chad (Jodi) Lewis, Susanville, California, and Karla (Bryan) Ehrmantraut, Post Falls; stepmother, Gracie Lewis, Alexandria, Minnesota; nieces and nephews, Marissa (Morgan) Pennington, Krystal (Scott) Alleman, Trent and Connor Lewis, Eric Martin, Tayler and Cyera Ehrmantraut, and also, grand-nieces/nephews: Zohe, Edan, Noah, Hyat, Tris, and Takoda.

Michelle is also survived by her stepfather, Raymond E. Reynolds, Anaconda, Montana; half-brothers, Victor (Jennifer) Reynolds and Jesse Reynolds; step-siblings, Lester Reynolds, John Reynolds, Sara (Trent) Satra, Roseanna (Kevin) Peters, Kenny (Denise) Meyer, Lucia Gregory, Heather (Jason) Heidt; and by many more extended family including several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Michelle loved her fur-babies, especially her senior kitty, Honey; new kitty, Elvis; and puppy, Miss Pris. Earlier this year, she was heartbroken when her sweet grumpy-old-man kitty, Punkin, passed away.

Michelle believed in God. She will be greatly missed by her many friends and family who feel an empty place in their heart. She was the epitome of kindness.

A memorial service will be held at American Lutheran Church in Kellogg on November 17, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. The family will hold a celebration of life next summer for extended family and friends. Memorials in her name may be made to the Shoshone County SAVE Coalition, P.O. Box 223, Pinehurst, ID 83850. The mission of SAVE is to strengthen resilience in the community and to reduce the impact of suicide, domestic violence, child abuse/neglect, and other tragic events through support, action, volunteerism, and education.