Michelle Leigh McIntosh of Thedford, NE, was born on December 10, 1976, in North Platte, NE, to Mark and Marian Nutter and passed away at home on August 10, 2023 at the age of 46 after a courageous battle with cancer.
After graduating from Thedford High School, Michelle followed in her Grandma Wanda's footsteps and became a cosmetologist. Sheattended Joseph's College of Beauty in Kearney and immediately knew she had discovered her passion.
On September 13, 1997, she married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Brent McIntosh. Together they began to build an amazing life. After briefly living in Kearney and Broken Bow, the couple decided to make their home in Thedford in January 2000. Finally, at home, Michelle and Brent began their family with the arrival of their son Drew and, five years later, their daughter, Lindsey.
Michelle's greatest love was her family, and she found no greater joy than her children, something she did effortlessly. She instilled in them a love for their Catholic faith, demonstrated how to live with kindness and love, and nurtured their passions with endless support. Michelle was their biggest (and loudest) cheerleader and a fierce Mama Bear.
Michelle had a passion for people. She opened The Country Salon, where she worked with her mother-in-law Shirley McIntosh, and it was here that her passion truly shined brightest. She built up a loyal clientele who knew that an appointment with Michelle was much more than just getting a great haircut or fabulous nails; it was a visit with a trusted friend. She had a knack for easing the fears during a child's first haircut, listening when those in her chair needed support, and leaving everyone happier than when they entered her shop. Her wonderful, contagious laugh was no doubt a staple of every appointment.
A pillar of the community, Michelle was involved in activities that impacted both young and old. She worked tirelessly on events like the community Easter Egg Hunt, stringing lights on the trees on the court house square for the Christmas season, planting and caring for the flowers by the bronze of The Little Lost Girls, the After-Prom Parties, and so much more.
Michelle was preceded in death by her grandparents, Robert and Kathleen Miles, Russ and Wanda Nutter and Leonard Mackley, and her uncle Troy Nutter.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Brent, and their two children, Drew (and friend Hope Steffen) and Lindsey. Her parents Mark and Marian Nutter; sister Tricia (Chad) Buell, in-laws Lloyd and Shirley McIntosh; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Chad and Michelle McIntosh; and nieces and nephews, Jillian, Brooklyn, Carter and Ireland Buell and Luke and Hope McIntosh as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial for Michelle McIntosh age 46 of Thedford will be held on Monday, August 14, 2023 at the Thedford High School at 2:00 PM. Burial will follow at the Hillcrest Cemetery at Thedford.  Rosary will be recited on Sunday, August 13 at 7:00 PM at the Thedford High School.