Michelle Acuff

Michelle Rene Acuff, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister and aunt, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City.

She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, generosity and devoted love for her faith, family, friends and the many students whose lives she touched.

Michelle was born in Okarche to Robert V. and Florence E. (Grellner) Rother on March 8, 1968.

She was raised in El Reno and graduated from El Reno High School in 1986, where her strong spirit and kind heart began to shape the remarkable woman she would become.

She continued her education at Oklahoma State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in teaching — a calling that perfectly matched her compassion and patience.

For Michelle, teaching was more than a career; it was a passion. She poured her heart into helping children grow, guiding them with encouragement, humor and the belief that every child could shine.

Her teaching years were spent at Darlington School teaching the third grade.

On May 26, 1996, Michelle married Jason E. Acuff in Ashland, Ken.

Three years later, they were blessed with a son, Christopher Chase Acuff.

With Jason and Chase by her side, Michelle found joy in life’s simple and beautiful moments. She loved fishing, the outdoors, the sun and the water — places where she felt most at peace.

Whether casting a line on a quiet lake or soaking up the sunshine with loved ones, she embraced every opportunity to connect with nature and those around her.

Michelle treasured her family and friends above all. She was always ready with a helping hand, a listening ear or a kind word. Her love knew no bounds and her presence brought light and laughter into every room she entered.

Her absence will be deeply felt by all who were fortunate to know her.

Her memory will live on in her husband, son, siblings, nieces, nephews and countless friends who will carry her lessons, laughter and love in their hearts forever.

Michelle is survived by her husband, Jason; son, Chase; brothers David Rother and wife Marcia, Mark Rother and wife Aletia and Bob Rother and wife Mary; sisters Joan Mueggenborg and Diane Krittenbrink and husband Ed; motherin- law Mary Alice Acuff; brother-in-law Aaron Acuff and wife Stacy; sister-in-law Tracy Acuff; and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Florence Rother; father- in-law Richard Acuff; and brothers-in-law Andy Mueggenborg and Damon Acuff.

Services were held on Thursday, March 26, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Okarche.

Michelle was laid to rest in the Holy Trinity Cemetery under the direction of Huber-Benson Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic School - El Reno or the charity of your choice.