Michael D. Mellor

On December 21, 2024, Michael Dennis Mellor returned peacefully to his Heavenly Father’s loving arms. He left a legacy of faith, love, family, ambition, integrity, charity, humor and acceptance. He was born April 7, 1956, in Gunnison, Utah to Melvin Guy and Betty Bartholomew Mellor.

Michael grew up in rural Fayette, Utah, with the love and genuine comradery of two older sisters, two older brothers and one younger brother. His siblings were always his best friends, especially because their lives were built around sharing the responsibility of providing for a large family. Melvin and Betty both worked on the farm and ranch from early morning till late at night. There was never a moment of boredom, everything was built around fun and muscle-building activities; herding and milking cows, plowing fields, planting crops, building new farm equipment, irrigating, cutting, raking, baling, and loading hay were vital to the sustenance of the farm life. 

Many times, when the work was done for the day, Mike loaded up his gun and supplies to go hunting in the Fayette sand hills with his brothers. Sometimes his father took the family to Mellor’s canyon to scout out the deer and listen to stories about the “olden days.” 

Mike attended school in Gunnison where he was active in wrestling and earned many awards and trophies. He loved all sports and spent lots of time on baseball teams. 

His testimony of Jesus Christ was strong, and he always desired to go on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. As soon as he turned 19, he received his mission call to serve in Germany

Following his German mission, he continued his education at Snow College. After graduating from Snow, he worked with his father in the hay hauling business. He never shirked hard work; he was forever grateful for the opportunities it presented.

Mike married Jessie Linn Marr Shomaker November 2, 2003. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple. 

He was the father of five amazing children and four just as amazing step-children, who he calls his own. His wife Jessie was the love of his life and he did everything possible to protect and take care of her and her children also. He truly understood what his Grandmother Fern meant when she said, “My children and grandchildren are my most prized possessions.” 

He and Jessie have made a home for all of their nine children to come and feel loved at any time. As Mike grew older, he had a little more spare time and was able to travel to many barrel races to watch Amy, the youngest, ride. He also loved riding in the mountains and taking the grandkids for rides on the “snake” and tractors. 

He loved our Savior, Jesus Christ, and tried to emulate Him by helping others anytime he could. 

Mike is survived by his wife Jessie of Elsinore; his children: Terra (Nate) Young of Salt Lake City, Amanda Larsen of Indiana, Ben (Danyell) Mellor of Richfield, Robert (Heidi) Shomaker of Lehi, Trisha (Cody) Anderson of Payson, Ty Mellor of Maryland, Mason (Rebecca) Mellor of Virginia, Ray Shomaker, and Amy Shomaker, both of Elsinore; 18 grandchildren and one great grandchild; four siblings; Sheron Larsen of Ephriam, Gerald Melvin (Margene) Mellor, Randy Guy (Tracy) Mellor, all of Fayette, and Neil Ray (Kelly Sue) Mellor of Centerfield. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Betty Mellor, brother Wilbert (Tina) Willie, sister Annette Patty, brothers-in-law John Patty Sr., Steve Sanchez, and Craig MaCoy Larsen, nephew Jay Randy Mellor, and niece Sheri Mellor; Grandparents, Guy and Fern Mellor, Ray and Martha Bartholomew, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 12 Noon in the Fayette LDS Ward Chapel, 99 South 100 East in Fayette where friends may call for viewing Saturday morning from 9:30 to 11:30 prior to the services. 

Live streaming of the services can be found at: www.springerturner.com under Michael's obituary about 15 minutes prior to starting time.

Mike will be laid to rest in the Fayette Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.