Michael Vaughn 'Mike' Bott

Rupert – Michael Vaughn “Mike” Bott, 77, of Rupert, Idaho, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, August 14, 2026, following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Mike was born March 23, 1949, in Rupert, Idaho, to Louis S. Bott and Jennie Lee Thomas (Bott) Morrison. He was a lifelong resident of the Rupert community and spent his life doing what he loved most — working hard, helping others, and being surrounded by his family, friends, horses, and cattle.

Mike and Doris (Linzy) married December 14, 1968, and were married for 57 years. He was a lifelong cattle buyer, horse buyer, dairyman, rancher, farmer, and loader operator (if you know, you know). He was a familiar and respected face throughout the livestock and rodeo communities. He was involved with the Historical Society, the Fat Stock Sale Committee, and the Idaho High School Rodeo Association, where he served as both a district and state president, served on the Minidoka County Fair Board, and was a former member of the Heyburn Lions Club.

Mike proudly served in the Idaho Army National Guard from 1968 until 1974 and was honorably discharged in 1974.

Outside of his work and community involvement, Mike found some of his greatest joy in the people and activities he loved. He spent countless hours following his children and grandchildren to rodeos and other activities, coaching the boys in baseball, always cheering them on and supporting them. He loved hunting with his family, fishing with his brother Jeff, riding horses, his love of history, and working draft horses with a wagon. He had a lifelong love of guns and was an excellent marksman.

Mike will be remembered for his witty personality, kindness, loyalty, and willingness to help anyone who needed a hand. He had a gift for making people laugh and never hesitated to help others get ahead. Above all else, Mike fiercely loved his family and friends. He was a man who showed his love through his actions, his loyalty, and his unwavering presence. His family, friends, neighbors, and the many people whose lives he touched will deeply miss him.

Mike is survived by his wife, Doris; his children, Bret (Trish) Bott, Brian (Kelli) Bott, and Amy (Kody) Nielsen; grandchildren, Breanna (Rob) Randolph, Sierra (Skyler) Bott-Flint, Brogan (Sara) Parkin, Jordan (Mitch) Pollock, Chancy Bott, Payton Meehan, Jentree Bott, Jaidyn Jensen, Kai Nielsen, and Trace Nielsen; great-grandchildren, Asher, Tucker, Gracie, Alaina, Lenora, Blaire, Ellison, and Myla; his brothers, Steve (Wendy) Bott and Jeff Bott; numerous nieces and nephews; and countless friends and neighbors who were considered family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Robert.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Intermountain Homecare & Hospice and Norco for the care, compassion, and support they provided to Mike and his family.

Mike leaves behind a legacy of hard work, loyalty, laughter, and love. His cowboy hat and boots may be put away, but the memories he made, the lives he touched, and the lessons he taught will live on through the generations who loved him.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, August 24, at First Christian Praise Chapel, located at 1110 8th Street, in Rupert. Burial will follow at Rupert Cemetery with military rites provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Group.

Family and friends will be received from 4 until 6 p.m. Sunday, August 23, at Hansen Mortuary, 710 6th Street, in Rupert.

The family suggests that memorials be directed to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho, 139 E. Warm Springs Ave., Boise, ID 83712; St. Jude Children’s Hospital; or to Minidoka County Historical Society in memory of Mike.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/rN2-7fQk514.