Micheal Heaton

MICHEAL LEE HEATON

Washington City, Utah - Micheal Lee Heaton, 80, passed away Monday, September 1, 2025. He was born July 19, 1945, in Cedar City, Utah to Glen and Charlotte Bunting Heaton. He married Alice Joy Riding, September 1, 1967, in St. George, Utah.

Mike had grit! Born with a congenital heart defect he fought for his life every day for 80 years. His first ten years were spent struggling to walk and breathe. When he couldn't play sports or run outside his aunts taught him embroidery and took him to movies. At the age of 10 he underwent the first aorta transplant west of the Mississippi river at Holy Cross Hospital in Salt Lake City. Doctors said he wouldn't live to be 16, but Mike had something they didn't foresee - grit!

He graduated from Cedar High in 1964, served a mission to England, and met Alice Joy Riding at the College of Southern Utah. They married in the St. George Temple, beginning an adventure together that would span 58 years.

Mike lived with pain every day of his life. He broke his legs eight different times, shattered both heels, broke his back in a truck accident, was run over by a tractor, endured two major strokes and four heart surgeries. Despite all this, Mike never gave up. He was full of love, strength and resilience.

Most people never knew the extent of Mike's physical suffering because he worked so hard and with such perseverance. He owned a car wash and a motorcycle shop in Cedar City, drove dump trucks and cement mixers in St George, and spent much of his career as an estimator at St. George Steel. He was a technology enthusiast, always having the latest computer and even teaching computer software class in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and Seattle, Washington. Later, the City of Washington hired him to supervise the construction of Green Spring Golf Course.

Mike and Alice had Jared, Amy & Laura while living in Cedar City Utah. In 1974 they moved to Washington, Utah. Michelle was born in 1976, and they built their "little bungalow" on Staheli Hill with its breathtaking views of Washington fields and Shinob Kibe. They welcomed Allison in 1980.

Mike loved Alice and built her an incredible sewing room in their new home. He was quick to fix or build anything she asked and always made sure her gas tank was full.

Mike's children were the highlight of his life. He was always their biggest fan and attended every recital, performance or ball game no matter how boring. He instilled in them independence, courage and resilience. They learned to work hard around the house and at the ranch. With one boy and four girls there were no gender jobs in our house. Everyone learned to drive tractors, dig water lines, run a chainsaw and mow lawns. Mike could do anything and fix anything. He often told his children, "Everything can be fixed, you just gotta figure it out!" They also had fun together. He taught them to ride horses and motorcycles and to waterski. Most importantly they were educated on how to cook the perfect medium rare steak.

Known as Grandpa Mikey, he was adored by his 18 grandchildren, and he returned that love tenfold. He loved to cuddle them as babies, and they continued to love Grandpa Mikey hugs as adults. He was so relieved that there "wasn't an ugly one among 'em". He never missed a blessing, baptism or graduation. He gave them a powerful sense of belonging and confidence.

Mike had a deep love for Washington City. He served on the planning commission and was elected and served many terms on the city council. He served as chairman of Southwest Mosquito Abatement District and chairman of the Washington County Solid Waste Board. Mike loved the Constitution of the United States and worked hard as a county and state delegate ensuring that his values were represented in government.

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mike served in the Bishopric, High Council, as Elders Quorum President, taught Sunday School and temple prep, served as Scout Master and led the deacons' quorum. His most impactful service was in ministering to others. Many evenings and Sunday afternoons were spent as a family visiting the older people in the ward and community. He quietly fixed cars, sprinklers, and plumbing, tilled gardens, and delivered firewood and Christmas trees from the ranch. Together Mike & Alice served a two-year mission to the Indian Branch in Cedar City and as temple workers in the St. George temple.

Mike loved people. He always remembered names and had a story to tell. His quick wit and mischievous grin made everyone feel seen and loved and they usually walked away laughing. Mike and Alice invited many people to stay in their home for a night, and some stayed for years, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who spent time in the "Heaton Hotel". He always had a word of advice or encouragement like, "Life is hard. It's harder if you're stupid."

Mike's Legacy of grit, love, service and humor will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

He is survived by those he loved most. Christopher, Josephsted each one in order; Alice Joy (Heaton, Washington, UT) Jared, and Elizbeth, Mary Alice, Alexandra & Emily (Heaton- St. George, UT) Amy, and Branden, Dylan, Alesha & Luca (Sivers), and Jenna (Bailey -Chandler, AZ); Laura and Dorian, Morgan & Sam (Adams -West Jordan, UT); Michelle and Robert, Ty, Katelyn, Brooklyn & Cody (Hortin- West Jordan, UT); Allison and Christopher, Joseph, Afton, Grace, Jonah & Matthew (Shuck - Spokane, WA) He is also survived by his sister Christene Linton, (David) Kanarraville, UT and countless nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved granddaughter Olivia Rose Heaton, his parents and siblings Loie Jean Murray, Bobby Glen & Raymond Heaton.

The family would like to thank the many doctors and medical professionals that treated him kindly, listened to his stories and jokes and kept him alive against all odds.

Funeral services will be Monday, September 8, 2025, 11:00 AM at the Washington 3rd ward, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 600 E Telegraph St., Washington, Utah. Friends may call Sunday, September 7th 4:00 - 6:00 PM at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff St., St. George, Utah and Monday, September 8th from 9:30 - 10:30 AM at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heaton Broken Arrow Ranch via Venmo @Laura-Adams-32. Let us know when you want to visit us there.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff St., St. George, Utah (435)673- 2454.

Friends and family are invited to sign Mike's online guest book at www.SpilburyMortuary.com