Robert John Mott

Robert John “Bob” Mott, 75, of Lacey, Washington, passed away on August 9, 2026, after a long journey with multiple sclerosis and dementia. Bob was born on July 4, 1951, in Spokane, Washington, to Richard and Loretta Mott. He spent his childhood in Wilbur and Des Moines, Washington. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Washington and later a Master of Education from Western Washington University.

Education was more than a career for Bob. He genuinely loved teaching and, most of all, his students. He began his career as a teacher in the Kent School District and later in North Thurston Public Schools, where he served as an assistant principal at Nisqually Middle School and North Thurston High School. But his heart ultimately belonged in the classroom, and he returned to teaching social studies at Chinook Middle School, where he remained until his retirement in 2013. Bob cared deeply about the young people he taught and earned their love and respect in return.

Bob married Gloria Miller in 1993, beginning 33 years of a deeply loving and devoted marriage. In each other, Bob and Gloria found true happiness and a best friend with whom to share their lives. Their marriage brought together Bob’s son, Adam, and Gloria’s daughter, Amy, and from two families they created one, filled with love, laughter, and a deep commitment to one another.

Bob and Gloria were happiest together and rarely wanted to spend a moment apart. Whether they were traveling, scuba diving, whale watching, exploring historical sites, walking a beach in search of shells and rocks, or simply enjoying an ordinary day at home, they genuinely loved being side by side. Bob also loved fishing and crabbing and was happiest whenever he could spend time on or near the water. Among Bob’s favorite places was Costa Rica, where visits meant precious time with his granddaughter, Kendyl.

Above all else, Bob loved his family and treasured his friends. He was kind, loving, and extraordinarily generous, the type of person who would give away everything he had if Gloria had let him. If someone needed him, Bob was often there before they even had the chance to ask.

Bob was also a storyteller, and anyone who knew him knew that a good story might get just a little better with each telling. Whether every detail was strictly accurate was beside the point. He loved sharing his experiences, making people laugh, and connecting with those around him. He greeted life, and the people in it, with a smile.

A proud Parrot Head, Bob was always happy to sing along to his favorite Jimmy Buffett songs. But it was Bob Marley’s reassuring words, “Don’t worry about a thing, ’cause every little thing gonna be all right,” that captured the optimism with which Bob approached life.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Gloria; his son, Adam Mott and his wife, Yukiko; his daughter, Amy Larrabee and her husband, Shane; and his granddaughter, Kendyl Larrabee. He is also survived by his sisters, Judy Lurz and her husband, Ray, and Pam Schriever; his brother-in-law, Don Miller; numerous nieces and nephews; and his dear friends and longtime teaching colleagues, Donna Edwards and Vicki Salzberg, whose friendships he treasured. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Loretta Mott; Gloria’s parents, Ervin and Santa Miller; his sister-in-law, Donella Miller; and his nephew, Michael Miller.

Bob’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Providence/Compassus Hospice, especially Jay and Bill, for the kindness, compassion, and support they showed Bob and his family, and to the caring staff at Garden Courte Memory Care for the comfort and care they provided during his time there.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Sunday, September 20, at 12:00 p.m. at Mills & Mills Funeral Home, 5725 Littlerock Rd SW, Tumwater, WA 98512.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Bob’s memory to the National MS Society or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Bob leaves behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, adventures, students whose lives he touched, and family and friends who were fortunate enough to be loved by him.