Michael "The Natural " Jerry Hobbs

Mike was born December 26, 1958, to Sharon Janeil Hobbs (nee Rueckert) and Gilbert Jerry Hobbs. Mike was the oldest of three children and loved his role of being the big brother to his younger brother, Layne, and younger sister, Allison. From a young age, Mike was taught the importance of hard work and creating traditions. He valued his time with family above all else. Mike spent his childhood playing sports and was a standout athlete in every sport he participated in. He excelled in bowling, hockey, basketball, football, and baseball. He was blessed to have his hero, his father, coach, and mentor him throughout his life, often expressing his gratitude and appreciation for his father’s influence and the example he set throughout his life.

Mike attended Granger High School and became a decorated athlete, leading the varsity baseball team to win a region title and the State Championship in 1975/76. He graduated in 1977 and went on to play a season of baseball for the University of Utah.

Mike was an outstanding first baseman and a head turning power hitter, but he hit the grand slam of a lifetime when he met the love of his life Cindy Lou Evans and married her on June 17, 1983 in West Valley City, Utah. They were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Jordan River Utah Temple on June 22, 1984. Mike and Cindy loved spending time together and truly built a life that they dreamed of and treasured. They were blessed to raise four children; Ryan Michael, Natalie, Matthew Jerry and Lyndsie. Cindy and the children were Mike’s pride and joy. He never missed an opportunity to talk about them, share their accomplishments and express his unconditional love for them. His children knew he would be there to support them in all that they did, never missing their ball games, cheer or drill team competitions or dance performances. He was the man they knew they could count on and go to for anything. His involvement in their lives was a true statement to the type of husband and father that he was and will continue to be in the eternities.

Mike earned many titles over the years, but his favorite title was “Grandpa” or “Papa Mike.” He was adored by six beautiful granddaughters; Markie, Makinlie, Haizlynn, Oaklee, McKenna and Haddisyn, and one handsome grandson, Tate. His seven grandbabies lit up his world and brought more happiness than he knew was possible. He loved to tease and spoil them and when they were babies, he was the best at snuggling and napping with them. He was their “Nike Grandpa” because he gave each grandkid a new pair of Nike shoes every year for Christmas and on their birthdays, a tradition they will always remember. Grandpa Mike would beam with pride for his grandkids as the loudest fan at every softball, soccer and basketball game, sitting front and center with tears in his eyes at every dance performance or activity they participated in. Each one of them knows that Grandpa loves them “To the moon” because that’s what he would tell them every chance he had.

Mike’s passion for sports and his enthusiasm for life were contagious and were evident in all that he did. As his children grew, he invested his free time in coaching them and their friends in football, basketball and baseball. “Coach” quickly became a title he was well known for and deeply respected by the community. Coaching little league baseball for Hunter-Cyprus and representing the Hunter Ute Football Conference youth league as a head coach and the President of the league for several years, Mike’s players remember him for more than just his knowledge of the game. He is remembered as the coach who accepted everyone, cared for his players and their families beyond the playing field and, someone they could count on and trust.

Mike was dedicated to providing for his family and worked tirelessly to ensure they had everything they needed and so much more. Throughout his life Mike was able to experience many jobs that showcased his amazing skill base and genuine care for people of all ages. He worked for Questar Gas, Alta Ski Resort, Granite School District, and at the closing of his working career, Mike found his true passion as he followed in his father’s footsteps and began driving school busses for the Jordan School District. His time spent with the youth, transporting them to and from school, taking them on field trips across the state, including a trip to Lagoon where the persuasive students convinced him to ride “The Cannibal” with them. He drove countless miles to many extracurricular activities, which brought sincere joy and excitement to Mike. Every student that stepped onto his bus knew they were welcome, and he knew them all by name. Mike loved to receive his driving assignments at the start of each school year and would spend the last weeks of summer vacation memorizing the routes before taking his bus out so that the students always arrived safely and on time. He often covered extra shifts and loved helping any time there was a need for a driver. He woke up early every morning to ensure his bus was warm for the students during the winter and would often stay late or use his lunch breaks to deep clean the inside of his bus so that the students were always given the best riding experience possible. He loved his coworkers and spending time getting to know each of them individually. They became some of his dearest friends.

Making friends came easily to Mike and his family often joked about him never going anywhere without running into someone he knew. He was the easiest person to talk to and he could talk for hours at a time to anyone, anywhere. His hobbies included camping, especially at Bear Lake, fishing, and slow pitch softball with his teammates from the Chiefs, Dutch oven cooking, and cheering on The University of Utah Football team as a long-time season ticket holder and their biggest fan.

Mike was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and fulfilled many callings that provided him opportunities to serve and love others. He loved working with the missionaries as the ward mission leader but felt his callings as a primary teacher was where he was meant to serve. He loved the children in his primary classes and the priceless friendships that he created while serving and sharing the gospel are blessings that will remain with him forever. He had a testimony of his Savior, Jesus Christ and found comfort in the words of his favorite primary song and the promise that indeed “families can be together forever.”

He is survived by his loving eternal companion Cindy, his dear Mother Sharon, Sister Allison Blain (Alan), Children Ryan Hobbs, Natalie Meredith (Tyler), Matthew Hobbs (Amber), Lyndsie Allen (Tyler), Grandchildren: Markie, Makinlie, Haizlynn, Oaklee, McKenna, Haddisyn and Tate. Our hearts are at peace knowing he is now reunited with his Father, Jerry Hobbs, and Brother, Layne Hobbs, Grandparents, Great Grandparents and many others that have preceded him in death.

Our family extends our deepest gratitude to the Intermountain Heart Failure and Hospice Care teams for their unwavering support, care, love, compassion and dedication to Mike and our entire family.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, November 24, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints ward house located at 2742 West 14400 South Bluffdale, UT 84065.

A short viewing will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. prior to the funeral services on Monday, November 25, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints ward house located at 2742 West 14400 South Bluffdale, Utah 84065. Following the funeral program a graveside service will be held at Valley View Memorial Park located at 4335 West 4100 South West Valley City, 84120.