Michelle Youngblood

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Michelle Lee Cawthra-Youngblood, age 49, passed away at 4:37 pm, Thursday, May 14, 2020 at her home following an illness.

Michelle was born December 29, 1970 in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Her parents were Arthur and Leota (Young) Cawthra. She had lived in Galena the past 20 years, moving from Joplin, MO.

After graduating from high school, she attended Vatterott College in Joplin. She joined Camp Joy Ministries in Galena, KS. Michelle was an artist, and a published poet. The best description of her was that she was a free spirit. Her closest friend was her pet dog named Tucker.

Her husband, William Arlas Youngblood preceded her in death July 26, 2013. 

Surviving are two daughters, Amanda Phillips, Webb City, MO, and Kerri Phillips, Carl Junction, MO; one granddaughter, Eden Phillips; her father, Arthur Cawthra, Joplin; her mother and stepfather, Leota (husband, Roy) Gossard, Joplin; one brother, Christopher Cawthra (wife, Chelsea), Columbus, KS; one stepbrother, Daniel Gossard, Joplin; two stepsisters, Christina Alcorn and Melaney Sauder, both of Joplin; and other aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was entrusted to Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS for cremation. The family will host a memorial service for Michelle at a later date.