Mylah Thelen

Mylah lived her life like a comedy skit—always goofy, always laughing, and always making those around her smile. A true farm kid at heart, she loved spending time with animals, riding her dirt bike, fishing, hunting, driving trucks, and playing in the dirt.

A natural fighter, Mylah began competing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the age of nine. She was tenacious and fearless on the mats, a strength that carried into two successful wrestling seasons. Yet, Mylah was beautifully multifaceted—while she could outmatch the boys and come home covered in mud, she also loved feeling pretty. She enjoyed doing her hair, nails, and lashes, often taking her time getting ready for the day.

Mylah was incredibly creative. She loved painting, drawing, sewing, knitting, and crafting of all kinds. She had a special love for Taco Bell runs and trips to the local C-store, always hoping for an energy drink. She was, in every sense, a wild child with a big heart.

Her faith was important to her, and she found inspiration in uplifting quotes, Bible verses, and the community at Epic Church. She was a devoted daddy’s girl, often with her phone in hand, sending snaps and videos to her friends. Mylah shared a special bond with her beloved dog, Shadow—they truly grew up together.

She is survived by her loving parents, Robert and Amy Thelen; her siblings, Makayla (Donovan) Cowden, Devin Cowden, Kaylena Gonzalez, Caiden Gonzalez, and Anthony Cowden; her grandfather, Donald Thelen; her aunts and uncles, Brian (Nicole) Thelen, Tommy (Amanda) Thelen, Paul (Jenny) Thelen, David (Toni) Thelen, Theresa Jacobs, Sandy David, Lindsi Tatroe, Austin Tatroe, and Danyelle (Frank) James; her godparents, Elizabeth and Jaymin Bagley; her cherished dog, Shadow; and many extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Patricia Thelen and Doug David and her favorite aunt Eno.

Services will be held on Friday, April 3, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Gorsline Runciman Tiffany Chapel, 3232 W. Saginaw Street, Lansing. Visitation will take place on Thursday, April 2, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and again on Friday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life following the service at 1:30 p.m. at the Grand River Conservation Club, 7345 Lyons Road, Portland.

In lieu of fresh-cut flowers, the family kindly requests plants or flowers that can be planted at Mylah’s home, or donations to assist with family expenses.

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Suicide doesn’t always look like darkness and despair, sometimes it looks like a beautiful girl with bright plans for the future. The dark moments don’t last forever and while it might not always look like joy or clarity, even the messiest days are worth living. You are loved.