Mark Ward Sheets

1962 - 2025

Mark Ward Sheets

December 14, 1962 to

February 1, 2025

Mark Ward Sheets, our beloved son, brother and uncle, passed away peacefully on the early morning of Saturday, February 1, 2025 at his home in La Sal, Utah.

Born on December 14, 1962, in Moab, Utah to Ervin Sheets and Ruth Sheets Thayn, he was the oldest of four children.

Mark beat the odds in many ways and consistently counted himself lucky for every day he lived. He spent a lifetime battling numerous health concerns, but that did not defeat his generous spirit, love for his family, nor his passion for the outdoors. From a young age, Mark would set off on the path less traveled, enjoying time spent in the hills-from his childhood home in Pima, Arizona to the majority of his life spent living in Moab and La Sal.

He was an incredibly skilled silversmith, learning the craft alongside his dad and mom. He brought beauty into the world, spending time designing intricate jewelry pieces for the Spanish Valley Trading Post. Mark was quick to learn new skills and remained entrepreneurial throughout his life-from cutting Christmas trees and cedar posts to helping families get down the road after repairing their vehicle. The last decade of his life to retirement was spent as a mechanic at Point-S in Moab, where he was proud to serve anyone who walked through the door.

He worked to live and had no interest in living to work. Those who loved him could recount stories for hours of his time exploring old homesteads, mines, and vast expanses of sagebrush flats across Southeastern Utah. He had a sharp eye for detail, able to spot a deer up on the side of the mountain or pick out a rusty treasure or shed horn across juniper mesas and desert washes. Hunting brought him joy–through wild excitement he would bear down on an elk or deer, missing half the time due to shaking energy that would run through him.

Mark would greet everyone he knew with a signature, "How-dy!" and his smirk of a smile. He was a member of the Sheets family, through and through–just the right mix of ornery and caring. The glint in his eye often meant mischief toward his niece or nephew. He was deeply intelligent and didn't shy away from sharing his knowledge or skill with those who needed it.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ervin, and his baby sister, Justeena.

Mark is survived by his mother, Ruth Sheets Thayn, his sister, Shirley (Shanen) his brother, Kevin (Stacey), nephew Jesse (Francisco) and his niece, Amanda as well as many other loved family members and friends.

A celebration of Mark's life will be held in La Sal, UT at 49 Mount Drive on Saturday, February 8th starting at 2pm. All are welcome to share in this potluck celebration.

Mark never turned his back on anyone in need, whether he knew you or not. He will be missed, profoundly and sincerely, by all who loved him.