Michelle Anderegg Schmidt

It is with the deepest love, and with abiding hope in the morning of a glorious resurrection made possible through our Savior Jesus Christ, that we share the passing of Mary Michelle Anderegg Schmidt. She died peacefully on Saturday, October 17th, 2026, at the age of 59, after a long, valiant, and stoic battle with cancer.

Michelle was born on November 2nd, 1966, in Salt Lake City, Utah, the first child of Jerry and Cathy Anderegg. As the oldest of seven, she was the best looked-up-to sister. Being the oldest was the beginning proving grounds of what made Michelle such a remarkable woman.

Michelle loved Jesus and Heavenly Father. As a child she heard the voice of the Lord speak to her in a tender way. She made a covenant to give her life to God, a promise that became the spiritual foundation of all her days. This promise gave her the great gift of trusting God, come what may. She was unconcerned about the unknown and had no fear of death. Michelle and Jon often quoted: “Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can.” Michelle lived by this truth.

She loved life despite being physically limited by a birth defect in her back, and she never let it stop her from pursuing her dreams. One of those dreams was to be a cheerleader at Alta High School, where her love of cheering for others and making them happy shone. She went on to graduate from the University of Utah with a BA in English. At 23, older than most in church culture, she heard the voice of God call her to serve a mission and answered without batting an eye. She served in Oslo, Norway, working so hard to share the gospel that she pushed her body to its limits. Soon afterward she began dating Jon Schmidt, whom she would marry. Together they built a life of service, committed to God, to each other, and to their children.

Jon’s music career was a huge part of who Michelle was. “Without her my music career would not have happened. Not my solo career and not The Piano Guys… she gave much valuable feedback in my process of music creation and my career in general.” – Jon Schmidt

A mother, a teacher, a friend

A more devoted mother there never was. Her greatest hobby was motherhood, and her kids were her everything. She willed her twins past seven pounds despite the toll it took on her tiny body. She and Jon were intentional about including God in every detail and decision of their home, committed to raising children like the stripling warriors, strong in testimony and certain that their mother knew it. She showed up for her children and for her friends’ and family’s children in all they did, and even in the last week of her life she was determined to be here to meet her daughter’s baby.

Michelle was a gifted teacher in any setting and especially gifted at teaching the gospel. She let the Spirit be her guide, and those she taught felt closer to Christ and more grateful for all He is and does for them. She was a wonderful minister to everyone assigned to her and a beloved Primary chorister who deeply blessed the children. The word of God was delicious to her, and she shared that joy with everyone she met. No one was more grateful for the temple, and her testimony of its covenant power was inspiring.

She had the gift of wise, reasonable, and inspired counsel. She was one of the most rational people you could meet, and if you wanted to know whether an idea was a good call, Michelle was your go-to. She always led people to God and to seeking His will for their lives. This gift blessed her family and friends and every church council she served on, and it will be greatly missed.

Michelle served family, extended family, neighbors, and even strangers, and she was always ready to support. She sincerely engaged with everyone she met, making each person feel special, welcome, and accepted, like a big sister and dear friend to all. She loved inviting people to dinner to get to know them, and her cooking was legendary. She also had a gift for finding and creating joy in the daily grind. She made every party, vacation, and get-together happen with grace and love, and she was the life of every event she attended.

Michelle was a warrior for righteousness. She once persuaded a popular clothing store to take down pornographic ads in its windows. Her efforts, which involved the media, led to the removal of the catalogue across the entire state of Utah. She also once called a famous talk show to share her opinion against an inappropriate commercial, all in the name of standing for anything virtuous, lovely, and of good report. She never spoke in anger. Once she put her mind to something, you just got out of the way.

She was steadfast and immovable, and she felt deeply, with great sympathy and empathy, yet she never doubted God’s plan. Even as she was dying her mind was at peace, with no resentment or bitterness toward God, only gratitude in good times and bad. She endured her long suffering with remarkable patience. Her confidence was rock solid, and her taste in style, music, and home decor was impeccable. Jon always called her a magnificent woman and a dream wife. She was “a great benefit to her fellow beings,” and her life exemplified the great commandment and the second like unto it.

The little things

Michelle loved grapefruit, trees, books, climbing into bed at night, dark chocolate, bubble gum balls, baths, piano music, general conference, and fun talks with her kids. Her favorite hobbies were cross-stitching and journal keeping.

Survived by

Michelle is survived by her husband, Jon; her children and their spouses, Spencer, Chris (Emma), Jon (Kaydee), and Sarah Hale (Quincy); three grandchildren, with two on the way; her parents, Cathy and Jerry Anderegg; and her siblings, Chris, Jesse, Jake, Angie, Dave, and Leta. She was preceded in death by her oldest daughter, Annie Schmidt, with whom we know she has been reunited. Together they will be a force to be reckoned with as they do the Lord’s work, teaching the gospel in the Spirit World and helping us here on earth.

Services

A public viewing will be held Sunday, October 25th, from 5:30 to 8:00 pm and Monday, October 26th from 9:30-10:40 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints YSA chapel at 352 North 900 East, Provo, Utah, 84606. The funeral will be Monday, October 26th, at 11:00 am at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, Michelle asked that people give to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ humanitarian fund, sharing your testimony, or serving someone in need. Anything that brings you and others closer to Christ and helps them know of their divine identity is what Michelle would love.