Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, neighbor, and friend, Michael Ray Hughes, passed away unexpectedly on July 29, 2026, in Big Piney, Wyoming. He spent his final days surrounded by his loving eternal companion, Janice, and the family he cherished.

Michael was born on April 30, 1945, in Malad, Idaho, to Stephen and Margaret Hughes. He was the fifth of six children and was raised on the family farm in Samaria, Idaho. Mike loved telling stories of his mischievous childhood and the adventures he shared with his brothers and sisters. From an early age, he developed a remarkable work ethic, helping on the farm, collecting bottles to sell at the Blue Goose, and working at the local newspaper office. He attended Malad High School where he played football, attended seminary, and met the love of his life, Janice. Mike and Janice crossed paths while going to and from seminary and quickly fell in love. They loved to go horseback riding together on the country roads between Pleasant View and Samaria.

Mike and Janice were married on August 3, 1963, in Malad, Idaho. They began their married life in Salt Lake City, where Mike pursued a career in welding. During that time, they welcomed their first child, Sonja. They later moved to Washington state where their second child, Keith, was born. In 1969, a job transfer brought them to Big Piney, Wyoming, where they had five more children: Darin, Stephen, Cynthia, Kevin, and Heather. What was expected to be a six-month stay became a lifetime of service, friendships, and deep roots in the Big Piney community.

Mike's career reflected his work ethic, creativity, dedication, and versatility. He worked as a welder for El Paso Natural Gas and for Northwest Pipeline before starting his own business, Mike Hughes Welding Service. Throughout his life he also worked as an inspector, owned and operated a tire business, owned and operated Badger Daylighting of Western Wyoming, and founded Hughes Enterprises. No matter the job, Mike was known for his integrity, craftsmanship, and willingness to help others.

Service was one of Mike's defining qualities and he devoted countless hours to improving his community. He served on the school board, the Marbleton town council, and as mayor of Marbleton. He volunteered with the fire department for many years, helped organize food closet and soup supper efforts, worked on the planning and zoning board, and supported the annual live nativity. Mike believed in leaving every place better than he found it.

His faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of his life. As a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served as bishop of the Big Piney Ward twice and as patriarch in the Kemmerer Wyoming Stake, and in many other callings. He loved ministering to others, sharing blessings, and strengthening those around him through quiet acts of service and unwavering testimony.

Whether he was solving a brain teaser or Sudoku puzzle, working with his hands, serving in the community, or spending time with family, Mike found joy in his life. He loved people and especially enjoyed lifting others. He ‘never met a stranger,’ and leaves behind a legacy of kindness, faith, generosity, and dedication that will continue to bless all who knew him.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Margaret Hughes; his sisters Carol Daniels and Kenna Smith; and his brother Stephen L. Hughes. He is survived by his beloved wife, Janice Hughes; children: Sonja (Kirt) Nyman, Smithfield, UT; Keith (Tracy) Hughes, Big Piney, WY; Darin (Jennifer) Hughes, Gilbert, AZ; Stephen (Whitney) Hughes, Highland, UT; Cynthia (Travis) Sass, Big Piney, WY; Kevin (Jana) Hughes, Pavillion, WY; Heather (Nicolas) Young, Vineyard, UT; 28 grandchildren: Danielle, Shaun, Carissa, Eric, Abigail, Devin, Tate, Spencer, Jessica, Megan, Hayley, Jonny, Scott, Brock, Claire, Jane, Judd, Tayler, Paige, Autumn, Chelsea, Dalin, Tegan, Gavin, Liam, Allie, Zach, and Emily; 25 great-grandchildren; and brothers Neal (Ramona) Hughes and Dean (Claudia) Hughes.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Big Piney Ward chapel located at 2266 Piney Dr., Big Piney, WY. A viewing will be held on Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will be at the Plainview Cemetery immediately following the funeral services. Mike’s family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to the friends, neighbors, medical professionals, and community members who have shown abundant kindness, love, and support during this difficult time.

Zoom link to funeral service:   https://zoom.us/j/92268609575