Michale Forman

Michale Forman, age 72, passed away on March 31, 2026, at Intermountain Hospital in Murray, Utah, of complication following a fall.

Michale was born in Boise, Idaho, on September 27, 1953, to Ray Glen Forman and Maryetta Gardner Forman. At birth, she was diagnosed with Rh incompatibility which had serious side effects. These included, but were not limited to, athetoid cerebral palsy, profound deafness, locked vision, and cognitive limitations. Because of her determined attitude and with the diligent help of her parents, she learned to walk at age three.

With her family, she moved to Idaho Falls when she was five. She attended the Idaho Educational School for the Deaf and the Blind, in Gooding, Idaho, for two years. She lived at the school because it was about three hours from Idaho Falls. This was hard on her and on the family. Her family moved to Downey, California, where Michale could live at home and take a school bus to Compton which had special classes for the deaf and hard of hearing. Neither the school in Gooding nor the school in Compton offered sign language. The deaf students were expected to learn how to speak orally. SELACO, a new school for the deaf, was built in Downey when Michale was in high school. A form of sign language, See Sign that is no longer used, was offered. After graduating from high school, Michale took classes in theater and art at Cerritos Junior College.

In 1975, Michale and her parents moved to Salt Lake City. Michale worked at the University of Utah with her sister Gwen for a summer. She also worked with her father for a time. She moved to Provo, living with a roommate and taking classes at Utah Technical College, now known as Utah Valley University. She received a Certificate of Completion from the LDS Institute for courses taken in ASL.

She was called on a mission to Fresno, California, by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was to teach in American Sign Language (ASL). In the Missionary Training Center, she received her first formal instruction in ASL.

After her mission, she lived in Salt Lake City and worked at McDonald’s and Wendy’s for several years. Then she worked at the School Lunch Restaurant, at a computer company, and at the Church office building in the Employment Services department. For ten years, she volunteered at the Salt Lake City Temple laundry, and for ten years, she volunteered at the Family History Library where she microfilmed records.

She was a lifelong Utah Jazz fan, faithfully tuning in to every game and carefully noting each score. She and her dear friend Tink often chatted about the games over their video phones, sharing reactions and laughter in real time. She loved keeping her friends updated on how the team had fared. Even in the seasons when victories were few, her enthusiasm and loyalty never wavered.

Though English was not her first language, Michale had a gift for making people feel seen. She greeted everyone with a bright smile and often a warm handshake. She asked their names and often followed with a playful tease. Her cheerful nature was a comfort to all who knew her, and we were enriched by the warmth she shared. She leaves a gentle legacy of love that we will continue to treasure.

April 11, 2026, services will be held.

• 10:00 Viewing at the Salt Lake Valley Deaf Ward
  •      6250 2200 W, Taylorsville, UT 84129
• 11:00 Funeral Services
•     The funeral service can be viewed on Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/91713953387
• 12:00 Internment at the Elysian Burial Gardens
•      1075 E 4580 S, Millcreek, UT 84117