Michael Ronald Stanford, 70, of Middlebury Center, PA passed away early Thursday, October 5, 2023, at UPMC Susquehanna in Williamsport. 

He was born July 3, 1953, in Wellsboro, to Ronald Ivan and MaryLou (McConnell) Stanford.  He graduated from Wellsboro High School and earned his associate degree from WACC.  On November 20, 1971, he married Carole Joy Downey, with whom he shared nearly 52 years of marriage, and raised two daughters. 

He joined the US Army and served in Germany.  Michael worked many jobs, eventually retiring from the Hilliard Corporation in Elmira. Michael attended the Shortsville and later, the Butler Hill Baptist churches.  Was an avid Single Action Shooting Society shooter under the moniker “Wild Horse Mike”.  He enjoyed hunting and loved his horses and horseback riding.

Michael is survived by his wife:  Carole Stanford of Middlebury Center; two daughters:  Heather Frey (Charles) of Roaring Branch, and Sarah Stanford (Charles Whitehead) of Middlebury Center; a brother:  Bill Stanford of Trout Run; and a sister:  Susan Christie (Richard) of Wellsboro.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandchild.

Friends and family are invited to pay tribute to Michael’s life from 5:00pm-6:00pm Thursday, October 12, 2023, at the Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home, 139 Main Street, Wellsboro, PA, with a funeral service to follow in the funeral home. 

Donations in his name may be made to the Butler Hill Baptist Church, 1141 Butler Hill Road, Knoxville, PA 16928.  To share a memory or condolence with his family visit www.tusseymosher.com.