Born on January 10, 1946, in Mansfield, Ohio, he was the son of the late Edith (Mawhorr) and Clark Mottayaw. He graduated from Madison High School with the Class of 1964 and attended Defiance College for 2 years. In his younger years, he was a gifted athlete participating in a variety of sports. Wes formerly worked at Culligan Water Systems and retired as a Sales Manager with Hempy Water. He was very social and comfortable in any situation, never having met a stranger in his life. Wes was a good conversationalist and great listener and put you at ease in his presence.
Wes travelled all over, especially enjoying bus trips with his longtime girlfriend, Sharon. He participated in Poker Runs, riding his Harley at every chance he could get. He enjoyed country line dancing and socializing with friends. Wes, along with his grandchildren, frequented haunted houses-enjoying the surprises along the way. He was a member of Oakland Lutheran Church, and belonged to the Amvets, Amvets Riders Club, Sons and Daughters of Herman, Moose Lodge and Ashland Eagles where he made many special friends. His family was his top priority, and he was a caring and active father when his children were growing up. He loved attending his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s sporting events and was their constant supporter. His kindness, generosity to anyone in need, fun-loving and upbeat personality will forever be remembered and treasured by family and friends.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Michael (Kristen) Mottayaw, Scott (Lisa) Mottayaw, and Lynn (Sam) Benavides; his longtime girlfriend, Sharon Welty; ten grandchildren, Leah Pondy, Beth (Chris) Nadler, Kelley (Tanner) Guinther, Alex Mottayaw, Jake (Janell) Mottayaw, Jordan Mottayaw, Jill (Steve) Simms, Corey (Amber) Benavides, Casey (Carley) Benavides, and Caleb (Amanda) Benavides; fifteen great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and close friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Alan “Al” Keith Mottayaw; and sister-in-law, Sharon Mottayaw.
The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 pm on Friday, September 18, 2026, at Wappner Funeral Directors and Crematory-Ontario, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. A memorial service conducted by Rev. Paul Lintern will follow at 7:00 pm. He will be laid to rest in Mansfield Memorial Park at a future date. If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or the Wounded Warrior Project.
