Jean Blank Gates

https://zoom.us/j/5034038622?from=join#success Jean Blank Gates, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, age 74, passed away peacefully at home early in the morning of September 7, 2022, surrounded by family. Jean was born on December 30, 1947 in Cowley, WY to Leo and Georgia (Banks) Blank. She had many musical gifts which were nurtured in her family growing up, and she continued to develop them in school playing clarinet in the band. She received her Bachelor of Music Degree from Brigham Young University in 1971. During her time at BYU, she became friends and later roommates with Gayle Gates, whose brother was also attending BYU. Gayle introduced them and eventually Jean was married to Stephen Clark Gates on August 28, 1970 in the Salt Lake Temple. Jean’s joy and life’s labor of love was her family. She often mentioned the scripture found in 3 John 1:4: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” She had an innate gift for teaching, such a loving manner, and she devoted everything she had to teaching her children the gospel. She used her musical gifts and education to teach her kids to sing, play the piano and supported their love and study of music. She taught them how to serve through music, delighted in attending their performances and supporting the organizations in which they participated. Jean found joy serving in church. Her love for her Heavenly Father and her faith in Jesus Christ was evident in all she did. She served as an accompanist in Primary, Relief Society, and at the organ for Sacrament meetings for most of her teenage and adult life. She also held multiple callings in Primary and Relief Society presidencies at both the ward and stake level. These opportunities to serve her brothers and sisters in the gospel and make dear lifelong friends were a joy and a delight to her. Anyone who was close to Jean knew she had a quiet but well-developed quick wit and intelligent sense of humor. Much loved were those delightful times when a practical joke or witty observation came from her corner of the room and had the family rolling on the floor. Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Stephen, father, Leo, mother, Georgia, brothers, Robert and William, and brothers-in-law, Larry and Nicholas. She is survived by her children: Kristy Gates, William Gates, Patricia Basinger (Dan), Kerrin Gates, Sharon Gates, Rebecca Gates, Michael Gates (Amber), Deborah Gates, and well-loved bonus daughter, Rachel Sharpe (Buddy), 19 grandchildren, and sisters Darlene Averett, Linda (Jack) Loveland, and Gayle (Bruce) Clark. The funeral service will be held Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 11:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 3274 S. Hillsdale Drive, West Valley City, UT 84119, with a private family viewing one hour prior. Following the funeral she will be interred at Valley View Memorial Park (4335 W. 4100 S., West Valley City, UT 84120). To view services remotely, please use the following link: https://zoom.us/j/5034038622?from=join#success Zoom meeting number 503 403 8622 Passcode 123456 Funeral directors: Serenity Funeral Home

Jean Blank Gates

December 30, 1947 - September 7, 2022