Michelle Lynn Stephen

It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of Michelle Lynn Stephen, a cherished daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, who left this world on August 25, 2025, due to a tragic house fire near Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Michelle's journey began on January 12, 1967, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where she was born to her loving parents, Linda (Bob) Welsch and Roger (Sandy) Stephen.

She was a proud graduate of Monticello High School in 1985, after which she pursued her passion for understanding the human mind by earning a degree in psychology from Loras College. Her education laid the foundation for a life dedicated to the care of others.

Michelle dedicated her work life to preventing problems associated with high-risk alcohol and drug use and helping people thrive in their lives. This work began as a provider and supervisor in an outpatient treatment program, as well as offering prevention activities in schools and outpatient facilities in Eastern Iowa. In 1990, this work brought her to a Prime For Life (PFL) training and in 2002 to become a staff person at Prevention Research Institute (PRI). This position began a 23-year career training and supporting PFL instructors, developing training approaches, and growing PRI programs. Michelle was the Director of Training and Program Development at the time of her death. Over this time, she also trained in motivational interviewing (MI), became a MI trainer, and eventually a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT). Within MINT, she served as co-chair of the planning committee for the 2023 Copenhagen Forum, was on the Trainer support team at the 2024 Forum in Christchurch, New Zealand, and became a member of the MINT Board in 2025. She was known and beloved around the world for her skill and acumen as a provider and trainer, her bright and lively spirit, and her can-do attitude.

On May 13, 2017, Michelle wed her husband, Cole Seigel in Los Angeles, California. Shortly after they returned to Iowa, spending several years among family and rekindling Michelle’s childhood love of horses. In early 2020 after finding the perfect property near Cole’s childhood cabin, Michelle and Cole moved to Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Together, they worked tirelessly and created their hobby farm Red Cloud Ranch where they raise a variety of animals including horses, chickens, ducks, dogs, and even a donkey and a mule.

Michelle was an extremely proud mother to her two sons, Tanner (Andrea) Ellison and Jobe (Olivia) Ellison, from her previous marriage with Vaughn. As a mother, she brought joy, warmth, and wisdom into their lives and loved to share all of the best accomplishments and memories with anyone she was around.

Michelle's legacy is further enriched by her role as a grandmother. She took that same immense pride in her two grandsons, Emmett and Micah, who were the light of her life, and she was eagerly anticipating the arrival of a third grandchild. Her love for her family led to many extended weekends back home or on trips around the country building memories with the ones she loved most. Whether it be skiing on the snow or water (with or without skis), flying with her private pilot's license, riding horses with her fantastic community of friends through Harvard Fox Hounds, or attending many of Cole’s gigs as he pursued his career in music, there was never a lack of excitement in her life.

In addition to her immediate family, Michelle is survived by her brother, Greg Stephen, who shared a close bond with her throughout their lives. She was preceded in death by her brother, Brad Stephen, and stepmother, Sandy Stephen, whose memories brought both joy and sorrow to her heart. The enduring love and memories they shared will forever remain with those who knew them.

As we mourn the loss of Michelle Lynn Stephen, we celebrate her life, a life marked by love, laughter, and an unwavering commitment to her family and friends and countless others. She will be dearly missed, but her memory will continue to live on in the stories we share, the lessons she taught us, and the love she instilled in all of us.

An Oklahoma-based Memorial Service for Michelle will take place Monday, September 8th at The Synagogue - Congregation B’nai Emunah located at 1719 South Owasso Avenue Tulsa, Oklahoma. The service will commence at 11:30 AM with a luncheon to follow. For those who cannot attend in person, the service will be broadcast via Zoom. If interested in joining virtually, please contact a family member for more information. There will also be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, September 27th from 3-7 PM at 355 Bradley Drive Monticello, Iowa. Please feel free to join us in either or both locations to come together and remember the incredible woman we all knew and loved. In Leu of flowers and gifts, donations and cards can be sent to 1011 S Main St Monticello IA 52310 or to https://account.venmo.com/u/RememberingMichelle_67. These donations will help with final costs, travel expenses, and carrying on her legacy through charity.

Rest in peace, dear Michelle. Your light will shine on in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know and love you.