Michael Gene Otis

Michael Gene Otis was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho on October 9, 1954, and passed away on January 20, 2022, at his home in Chubbuck, Idaho.

Michael was raised by his mother, Helen Ethel Browning, and father, Edward Lee Ashcraft in Idaho Falls along with his younger brother Mark. In 1961 the family moved to Pocatello where Michael attended Tendoy Elementary and Alameda Jr. High before graduating from Highland High School. After graduating, Michael worked for Albertsons in the bakery and loved every second of it. He eventually changed jobs and worked in freight for Waremart, now known as WinCo. Michael furthered his education at Eastern Idaho Technical College which opened the opportunity to begin his career at Idaho National Laboratories as a utility operator. After 28 years of hard work and providing for his family, he retired from INL in 2019.

On August 5, 1993, he married Maria Lourdes Rodriguez Ancira in Pocatello. Before the two had ever met, they corresponded with one another through letters because Maria lived in Mexico. Michael was anxious to meet Maria, so he flew to Monterrey as soon as she gave the word. Michael immediately fell in love with Maria and asked her to marry him.

On June 19, 1994, Michael’s first Father’s Day present was the birth of his oldest son, Mike. Michael and his wife were blessed with their second son, David, on September 15, 1996. Michael was a compassionate and loving husband and father. He was also a pet lover. His best friend for eighteen years was his Pitbull, Sally. They did everything together. After Sally passed away, it took many years before Michael would entertain the idea of getting another dog. Eventually, he got his family a Boxer named Allie and made memories with her for eleven and a half years. After a year had gone by since Allie passed away, Michael searched for many months for another dog to add to the family. He finally found a sweet Pitbull named Chloe who melted his heart on December 5, 2021. Michael was able to spend a few weeks with her before he passed away.

Michael enjoyed golfing, collecting coins and knives, and traveling, but more than anything, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed watching football and was an avid “Colts” fan. He loved traveling to Las Vegas, Wendover, Jackpot, Arizona, Florida, and Island Park. He loved taking his family to shows, arcades, and amazing buffets. He was the happiest when he saw the smiles on everyone’s faces. He was a generous and kind man.

Michael is survived by his wife, Maria Otis of Chubbuck; sons, Michael Gerardo (Krystiane) Otis of Rigby, and David Kent Otis of Chubbuck; brother, Mark G. Otis of Pocatello; half-sister, Carolyn Read of Washington; and nephew and niece, Mark E. Otis and Ashley M. Otis both of Pocatello.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Edward Ashcraft.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 29, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4775 Hawthorne Rd, Chubbuck, ID 83202(Corner of Hawthorne and Chubbuck). Interment will be later that day at the Annis Little Butte Cemetery, E Menan Lorenzo Hwy, Rigby, ID 83442

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