Guelda May Gates

Guelda May Gates, age 94, passed away peacefully at her home in St. George, Utah, on February 15, 2026.

Early Life and Adventure 

Born on October 20, 1931, in Grant, Idaho, to William Alford and Lettie Collings Russell, Guelda was the middle child of nine siblings. Raised during the Great Depression, she learned early on the values of love and perseverance that would define her life. After high school, she began her career in Idaho Falls, but her adventurous spirit soon led her to Southern California. While living with her sister in Los Angeles, she worked as a switchboard operator for Pacific Bell—a time when she truly began to embrace her independence.

Faith and Family

A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Guelda found both her community and her companion through church activities. On June 21, 1958, she married Joseph Lawrence Gates in the Los Angeles Temple. In 1963, the couple settled in Cypress, California, where they raised their three sons and one daughter. While Joseph taught school, Guelda became a pillar of her local ward and stake. Though she often felt "unprepared" for the leadership callings she received, she became a revered leader in the Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society organizations, touching countless lives over the course of 30 years.

A Creative Spirit

Guelda was a gifted artist who hailed from a creative lineage. While she was particularly fond of painting vibrant landscapes, her talent led her to the delicate work of portraiture. She found her most rewarding work in painting portraits of deceased family members, providing a sense of connection and peace to those who commissioned her art.

Retirement and Legacy

In 1994, Guelda and Joseph retired to Pleasant Grove, Utah, to be closer to their grandchildren. A highlight of their time there was serving a mission together on Temple Square in Salt Lake City. In 2001, they moved to St. George, where they built a wonderful life filled with local relatives and dear friends. Guelda was known for her quick wit and her competitive spirit—especially when it came to favorite card games played with family and friends.

Preceded in Death

Guelda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph Lawrence Gates, and her cherished granddaughter, Jennifer Marie Gates, and five of her siblings.

Survived By

Guelda is survived by her four children: 

* Larry Gates (Santa Ana, CA)

* Jeff Gates (Leslie) (West Jordan, UT)

* Greg Gates (St. George, UT)

* Krista Yates (Ron) (Saratoga Springs, UT)

She also leaves behind 7 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and her siblings Merrill Russell, David Russell, and Ina Jean Chandler.

A viewing will be held at 6:00-7:30pm on Friday, February 27, 2026 at the Green Valley 5th Ward LDS Church, 124 North Valley View Drive, St. George, UT 84770. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 1:00pm at the same location. A viewing will be held prior to the funeral services from 11:30-12:45pm. Interment will be held in theTonaquint Cemetery following the funeral services. 

Funeral services may be viewed by clicking the livestream below.