In loving memory of

Miss Michele Ann Blumenschein

December 29, 1954-August 3, 2025

Michele Ann Blumenschein, aged 70, passed peacefully with family at her side after a courageous battle with Parkinsonism.

Michele was born in Colfax, Washington, to Hazel Jean (née Schierman) and Kenneth George Blumenschein. She grew up at "the ranch" in Endicott. She was valedictorian of her graduating class at Endicott High School in 1973. She then attended Washington State University in Pullman, where she majored in psychology and graduated summa cum laude in 1977. She moved to the Denver metro area and obtained a bachelor's of chemistry at Metropolitan State College in Denver. Although she did not obtain degrees, she did also study at a master's level of education and a master's level of divinity.

A gifted musician, Michele was especially talented on the piano and organ. She used her music as a form of spiritual expression, playing for several churches throughout her life. Her deep faith and creativity were foundational to who she was.

She had several other careers including—but not limited to—a chemical scientist, a wastewater engineer at Coors Brewing Company, a hand model, a secretary, and most importantly, a mother. She raised two daughters in a home she beautifully decorated and adorned in Aurora, Colorado. She was a devoted mother—proofread every paper, woke up early to cook breakfast (cheesy grits especially), would play even when she was tired, baked all the silly recipes from the vintage Betty Crocker cookbook, was a makeup and hair model, and taught many important life skills with love and patience.

She found joy in life's simple pleasures, she loved going to The Denver Zoo, walking, gardening, cooking (especially her famous rainbow jello that could easily take 8+ hours to make), baking, attending Rockies games at Coors Field, mowing the grass of the large yard, writing, creating photo albums, and watching any and all sports she could see on her tv or listen to on her radio. Her kind, sensitive, and giving nature touched many lives.

She moved to Pullman, Washington in 2023 where she spent a lot of time with family and friends. Her sister, Lola, especially spent a lot of time with her and helped care for her.

She is predeceased by her parents and brother-in-law, Terence "Terry" Lust. She is survived by daughter Kendra Wing of Aurora , Colorado; daughter Stephanie Blumenschein-Wing and her partner, Leonard "Lenny" Beltran, and his children, Jer (Sarah "Luca" Parsons) Beltran, Grady (Nikoleta "Niki" Sebenji) Beltran, and Ainslie Beltran, all of Las Cruces, New Mexico; sister, Lila Lust of Davenport, Washington; sister, Lola (Robert "Bob") Gillespie of Pullman, Washington; many nieces and nephews, cousins, neighbors (especially Merlyn), and friends (especially Julia and Ruth).

Michele did not want a service. Instead, take a moment and write down a memory and mail it to Lola or email it to Stephanie at stephaniekbw@icloud.com. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be sent to either The Denver Zoo or Peace Lutheran Church in Colfax, Washington.

A special thank you to all who have cared for Michele, loved her, visited her, held a door for her, or gave love to her in any way.

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23:5-6 NIV.  Corbeill Funeral Home of Pullman, WA has been entrusted with arrangements.