Michelle Shannon Gallegos

Michelle Gallegos, beloved mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend, passed away on November 11, 2025. Her loss leaves a space that cannot be filled, and a light that will be missed by all who knew her.

Michelle was born on October 8, 1970, to Mike Thurston and Karen Higley . She grew up in Burley, Idaho, where she spent her childhood as a perfect blend of tomboy and girly girl - able to do anything the boys could do, yet always unmistakably, beautifully herself. She was the big sister to her brother Jody and her sister Emily, and she carried that role with love and pride all her life.

In high school, Michelle met her sweetheart, Curtis Gallegos. Their love was the kind people hope for. Curtis and Michelle married on Valentine's Day in 1989, and together they built a beautiful life filled with devotion, laughter, and purpose. Michelle loved nothing more than being Curtis' wife - his partner, his helpmate, his best friend, his soulmate. They raised three daughters, Sheyann, Kirsten, and Abby, who were the absolute center of Michelle's world.

Being a mother was the role she was born for. She made birthdays sparkle, holidays magical, and everyday moments feel special. Her girls grew up wrapped in the warmth of her love and the certainty that their mother would move mountains for them. When she became a grandmother to Khloe, that love grew even deeper.

Michelle never met a stranger. If you knew her for five minutes, she made you feel like you had known her forever. She had a gift for seeing people - truly seeing them - and she gave her friendship with a generous, open heart. While she had many friends, three held a special place in her life: Rose Almanza, her person, and Jodie Sharp and Kim Leedom whom she loved like sisters.

When Curtis passed away on September 30, 2021, Michelle lost a part of herself. Even through her grief, she tried to show the world her smile, tried to build new friendships, and tried to create a new life. She gave everything she had to those around her, even when her own heart was hurting.

Michelle leaves behind her three daughters, Sheyann (Justin), Kirsten (Dakota), Abby (Elliot) and Meadow (Justus); her granddaughters, Khloe and Ashlynn; her mother, Karen Higley; her brother, Jody; her sister, Emily (Airen, AJ, and Michael), her half sister Autumn; and her dearest friends, Rose, Jodie, and Kim.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Curtis; her father, Mike; and her stepfather, Randy Higley. She also joins the loved ones who went before her, carrying their memories with her to the end.

Michelle loved fiercely, lived generously, and touched countless lives with her kindness. The world is dimmer without her, but those who loved her will carry her light forward.