Michelle Schone

Michelle Schone, age 52, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2024, at Comforts of Home in River Falls, WI. Michelle was born in Turlock, CA, to William Huntington and Opal Marie Rowley. She was raised in California, where she spent her youth immersed in the outdoors, riding horses, and caring for the animals on her father’s ranch. Michelle had a passion for swimming, competing in tournaments across northern California, and often said she felt truly free in the water. Michelle fell for Cesar Diaz at a young age. They eloped and enjoyed bringing their daughter, Felecia Diaz, into the world soon after. The couple enjoyed the first years of Felecia’s life until Cesar passed in an automobile accident a few years later.

After moving to Wisconsin with her firstborn, Michelle embraced the Midwest’s snowy winters, developing a love for snowmobiling. Though she adapted to her new surroundings, she always missed the ocean and requested her remains be returned there by her children. Michelle then met and married Brent Schone. While their marriage later ended, they remained close friends and co-parents, sharing a deep dedication to their son, Dakota. Michelle was known for her loud, outspoken, and big-hearted personality. She was unapologetically honest, never holding back her opinions, and was deeply committed to her role as a mother. She found joy in simple pleasures, like playing cribbage, baking her signature Jello cakes, and making Christmas wreath cookies during the holidays. Christmas was a special time for Michelle-she loved gift-giving, decorating extravagantly, and cherishing the excitement of the season. Crafting became a favorite pastime later in life, and she relished any activity that allowed her to be creative or spend time with her kids. Michelle was a lover of 90s music, especially hip-hop, which reminded her of her childhood on the West Coast. She had a gift for befriending everyone she met, making people laugh, and keeping life lighthearted despite its challenges.

Michelle is survived by her children, Felecia Diaz of Chicago, IL, and Dakota Schone of Glenwood City, WI; as well as her former husband Brent. She was preceded in death by her mother, Opal Marie Rowley; her father, William Huntington; her stepfather, Maurice Rowley, and her husband, Cesar Diaz.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials will be used at the discretion of the family. Cremation services have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of River Falls.