Michael Wilmoth

Michael “Mike” Wilmoth, 84, beloved husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, and friend passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, with his loving wife and family at his side. Mike was born on May 1, 1941, in Colville, Washington to Clarence E. and Ruth E. VanSickle Wilmoth.

Because of his father’s road construction work, Mike’s family moved frequently throughout his childhood. In 1957, the family settled in Shoshone, Idaho where Mike attended Shoshone High School. He excelled in football and basketball and cherished those years as some of the happiest of his youth. His senior year took him to Las Vegas after another move, but it was not the right fit for him. Determined to shape his own path, Mike enlisted in the United States Air Force and earned his GED. He later went on to graduate with a degree in Business Management from Stevens-Henager College in 1975.

While stationed in Oxnard, California as a Crew Chief on a 101 aircraft, fate stepped in. A friend persuaded him to go on a blind date with a young woman named “Mike” – Michele A. McNish. Curious to meet a girl who shared his name, he agreed. To his delight, Mikey turned out to be the love of his life. The two were married on November 4, 1961, in Thousand Oaks, California and this year would have marked their 64th wedding anniversary.

In March 1962 Mike was transferred to Alconbury, England where he served as an ECM Operator on a B66 aircraft. Mikey joined him in June of that year, and together they spent three unforgettable years exploring the country and making lifelong memories. While stationed in England they welcomed their first daughter, Shari.

When Mike was reassigned to the United States in 1965, he shared with Mikey his dream: to raise a family in Ogden, Utah, and to work at Hill Air Force Base. In August 1965, they arrived in Ogden to begin building the life he had envisioned. Mike was honorably discharged from the Air Force in February 1966, but his commitment to serving his country continued as a civilian employee at Hill Air Force Base. He began as an aircraft mechanic before moving into quality assurance, where his meticulous nature and commitment to excellence shone. After three decades of dedicated work, Mike retired in May 1997.

Family was always at the center of Mike’s life. Mike and Mikey were blessed with two more children, daughter Shelly and son Steven. Together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and enduring traditions. Mike shared a special and unique bond with each of his children, taking pride in their achievements, whether large or small. He instilled in them values of respect, integrity, and kindness, and above all, loved them unconditionally.

A devoted Dad, Mike, never missed a football game, basketball match, baseball or softball game, gymnastics meet, music concert, or school play. That same devotion carried into his role as a grandfather to five grandchildren and great grandfather to three. Retired by the time his grandchildren were born, he treasured the gift of time – always ready with a listening ear, steady advice, and boundless love.

Beyond family, Mike enjoyed a full and active life. He loved golfing, camping, fishing, bowling, traveling, and time spent at Lava Ranch and Yuma with friends and family. He was a diehard Colts fan, faithfully cheering for his team from their Baltimore days through to Indianapolis. Handy and resourceful, Mike could fix just about anything. He took immense pride in his cars, his yard, and his home, reflecting on the care and dedication he brought to every part of his life.

Michael was a member of the Community United Methodist Church, where his faith and sense of community were deeply rooted.

Mike is survived by his devoted wife, Michele “Mikey” A. Wilmoth; his daughter and son-in-law Shari and Roger Skaja of Salt Lake City, UT; his son and daughter-in-law Steve and Carla Wilmoth of Oakley, UT. He was a proud grandfather to Nina (Derrick Spendlove) Armijo Wilmoth; Haydan (Brook Hadley) Payan: Dax Wilmoth and Hadley (Blake) Payan Wilson. He also leaves behind three cherished great-grandchildren: Kaytylynn Goforth, Wesley Spendlove, and Dallyn Wilmoth. He is survived by one brother Rusty Vanderpool and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter Shelly Anne Payan; his grandson Dallin McCoy Wilmoth; his brother Richard E. Wilmoth; his sister Penny Johnson; his son-in-law Mike Payan; and many other beloved family members and friends.

At Mike’s request, there will be no public funeral service. A Celebration of Life honoring Mike will be on Friday, October 10, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Community United Methodist Church, 163 Laker Way, Washington Terrace, UT, 84405 in the fellowship hall. The family would love to hear your Mike stories and memories, so please come and share. A gathering for prayer, scripture and song will be in the sanctuary from 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM for those wishing to participate.

The family wishes to thank Intermountain Home Healthcare for their care and support this last year, Intermountain Hospice for making Mike’s final days comfortable, the phenomenal nurses and CNA’s at McKay-Dee Hospital (You know who you are) who took care of him during his last stay. To Rick Cloward PA, Dr. Brian Heaton, Dr. Carl Grey, Lynn Larsen PA and staff, and Carra Brandley NP for giving us a little more time.