“It isn’t what we leave behind, it’s what we leave in people’s hearts that matter.”
Michelle Lee Young (Silverthorne) unexpectedly passed away on October 24th, 2023 at the age of 49. Michelle was born on June 14th, 1974 to Eileen Valdez and Ed Young in Murray, Utah. She eventually followed her heart to Montana and stayed to create and grow her beautiful family.
Michelle graduated from Carroll College with her Bachelor’s in Education. Her love and care for others led her to a career to advocate for children. Starting as a Spanish teacher, then becoming a CPS case worker and lastly, working as an SSI Specialist for the Department of Child and Family Services, Michelle poured passion in helping countless children grow and succeed. Michelle also had her ‘fun’ part time job that she loved and where she made many more friends at Nickels Casino as a bartender.
Her passion for helping children strengthened her family life by being a role model for her five children. Be it track, football, volleyball, basketball, nature walks and huckleberry picking, she spent her life dedicated to Austin, Kennedy, Kaynen, Brayden and Sienna and also her two grandchildren; Hayvn and Korbyn. She also shined bright on the sidelines of the soccer field as a coach, yelling at the TV rooting for the 49ers, and “cooking”(aka burning) family Sunday dinners. She gave her heart to her community as well. She always made sure to make it to the city rally’s to fight for and speak up for equal rights and social justices. Michelle was everyone’s soft and safe place to land; for peace and unconditional love and support. In this moment, Michelle would hug us all and say, “SANA SANA, Colita de rana. Si no sanas hoy, sanas mañana.” This roughly translates to, “Heal, heal, little tail of the frog. If you don’t heal today, you’ll heal tomorrow.”
She is survived by her parents: Eileen Valdez, Ed (Sandy)Young; her siblings: Troy Valdez, Gina Niksich (Brad); her seester and twin: Danielle Young (Eric); her children: Austin Jonas (Laramie), Kennedy Engstedt, Kaynen Martin, Brayden Martin and Sienna Engstedt; her grandchildren and her greatest pride and joys Hayvn and Korbyn Jonas; and a big extended family and many friends. Michelle’s life didn’t come to an end with her death, as she continues to live on through all who love her.
Services will be held at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave at 1:00 p.m. on November 4th, 2023 with a light lunch reception to follow at funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to a charity of your choosing in remembrance of Michelle’s love or to the children’s Go Fund Me.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday November 4, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday November 4, 2023
Social Hall of the Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday November 4, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday November 4, 2023
Social Hall of the Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Brandi Spangler says
My twin and I loved seeing Michelle and Danielle together at Nickels. They were our favorite….you get twins together and magic happens. My twin died 11 months ago and now, sweet Michelle. Danielle, as you know, I’m thinking of you and sending you all my twinergy. Praying for your entire family and Michelle’s kids and grandkids. I’m so glad you have each other!
Kristine Gold says
Michelle and Danielle were my daughter Monika’s best friends from Junior High on. She loved them so much! She passed away 5 years ago, and I am sure she was there to meet Michelle and show her around heaven. Much love to all of the family.
Lisa Kampman says
I first met Michelle and Danielle when I was in 2nd grade because “someone” peed on a swing set at recess. 😂 We became fast elementary besties after that. I remember when my family moved. And I was so heartbroken to leave them. But a few months into the seventh grade they walked into my class and we were reunited. I used to get bothered when people would say they couldn’t tell them apart. I always could even from a long distance. They held such a piece of my heart.
No matter how many years pass as we have become adults, I will always consider them to be some of my most treasured life-long friends.
Danielle, I am so sorry for you, her children and all of your family. Anything you ever need, I am here.
Michelle, heartbroken doesn’t do the word justice. I love you so much and the only solace, right now is picturing yours and Monika’s reunion. What a fantastic moment that must have been. Make sure you are both preparing for the day that all of our friend group is reunited. 🩷🩷🩷
Love you until the end of time!
Stephen Lantz says
What a fantastic person. I’m so sorry for our loss.
Shelley Stewart says
May your wonderful memories comfort you all during this heartbreaking time. I’ll always remember Michelle as a wonderful mother to her children. I never saw her without that beautiful smile. I’m keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Kindra Rissmann says
I was so shocked and sad, to hear this news, I am sorry for the loss this family is feeling, many prayers and hugs.
Dannika Valdez says
I am so sorry for your loss. Michelle was such an incredible, kind, and loving person! I always loved going to family events and getting to visit with her, I always looked up to her. I am sending all the love and prayers for your family.
Tamara Harper and family says
Words cannot describe the sadness. That I feel right now for you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss. And so heartbroken such a beautiful soul gone way too soon. I send you all my love and prayers to help you through this time, love and miss you all.
The Proul Family says
Dani and family…. We are so very very sorry to hear of Michelle’s passing. She truly was a beautiful soul who cared deeply for everyone she met. Please keep all the beautiful memories close in your hearts and she will always always be with you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May she rest in eternal peace. ♥️
Marilyn Ketchum says
I had the honor and pleasure of working with Michelle at CPS. She was such a kind, caring and compassionate soul.
Trish Toney says
It is with deep sadness to hear of the passing of Michelle! My thoughts & Prayers are with your family in the days to come!
Terry Thomas & Teri Bingham says
Our sincere condolences to the entire families. Michelle was a wonderful person that was loved by all that knew her. We will miss her passion for children, and upbeat personality. RIP, you are in our thoughts and memories forever!
Krista Wall says
Michelle, I have had such a heavy heart today knowing you had passed. You never gave up on me and always knew my love for my children. I will always remember you and will always love and appreciate your kindness and love you brought my children and I at such a traumatic point in our lives. You saw me at my worst and you never stopped believing in me. I will never forget you and will always continue to be the best parent for my children. Thank you ❤️🙏You were an angel then and your an angel now forever 💖
Peggy Miller says
Michelle was my case worker when cps had my grandaughter and she was always on Marley and my side. I wish I had thanked her properly for the care and love she showed us. I am so sorry for your loss
Clan Stewart says
Condolence to her family. Michelle is a hero in our family because she removed our adopted children from their extremely abusive family of origin. Over the intervening years, she always gave us all hugs, speaking words of encouragement and concern for the kids as they grew. Her big heart will be missed.
Shanna Lucido says
I am so sorry to hear this sad news. What a beautiful soul to be taken so young. Condolences to her family and to her mom, Eileen who years ago was my best friend and co worker. Of course Scott and I will donate and be here if you ever need anything.Sending love to you all.
Jessi Hughes says
Dear Michelle, I remember the day I first saw you and Danielle. I wanted you to be my friends when I first saw you entered music appreciation class in 7th grade. I always felt blessed to be around you. Your kindness and love will always be cherished. Your light will live on in all the peoples heart that you touched.
Mark Girdler says
Michelle was a big influence on me some years ago when I joined her office at CFSD. She didn’t have to but she went out of her way to show me the way. I always regarded her as someone I could trust, and lean on. Several memories of her come to mind now -Michelle was a proud mama, and a good person. I regret I hadn’t seen her in person for a couple of months before she passed.
Jolene Edwards says
Dear Family and Friends of Michelle~
I am so sorry for the loss of sweet Michelle. Anytime I saw her, she was always smiling and kind. Please take care and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jolene Edwards
Nikki Cory says
Such sad news. Our Condolences to the family.
Tim LaBrec
Nikki Cory
Richard Cory
Heidi Ortega says
Thank you Michelle for being the wonderful woman you were. We are all better because we knew you. My heart hurts and I wish I could hug all of my family.
♡ Heidi
Ted Polette says
Michelle was always a shining light in the halls of Clancy school and always so supportive of her wonderful children and family. My heart goes out to all of her family, who are as wonderful as she was! I lost one of my twin daughters almost 3 years ago and I’m sure Jackie was at the gates of Heaven to show Michelle around and give her a hug. When we leave this Earth, the love that we have given and received remains behind to light the lives of those we touched- each memory a candle burning bright. Where there is sadness, love plants a garden of memories. May those memories sustain you and dampen the over-whelming grief you are feeling right now. Love to you all!
MG says
My sincere condolences to the family and friends for the pain you are experiencing. Losing a loved one is never easy. Hope is a fire in our hearts >Hope is an anchor that holds us firm >Hope is a light that shines like the sun. As we see ourselves there welcoming back our loved ones again in the new world to come. Faith >Hope >Love >Prayer >>