(January 30, 1934 – December 11, 2014)
Jackie Gatenby Thomas, age 80, passed away December 11, 2014. She was born January 30, 1934, in Provo, Utah, to Jack and Ingar Gatenby.
As a native of Provo, Jackie grew up hiking, skiing and camping in the Wasatch Mountains until she graduated from BYU in elementary education (1956).
Her life was filled with service to her family, church and community. Close to her heart were the people of Brazil whom she served in the Sao Paolo, LDS mission (1958 – 1960) under Presidents Sorenson and Bangerter.
Jackie particularly enjoyed serving the youth in both her church and her community. She developed and directed Girl Scout camps in Salem, Oregon, and used those skills later to lead community Girl Scout troops. She also spent many years leading young women’s camps on Cedar Mountain. She loved her nieces and nephews and was known for her ever evolving camp stories told under the night stars.
Jackie was a wonderful wife and mother. She married Glen Thomas in the Salt Lake Temple in 1965. They met teaching in the Granite School District but decided to leave teaching and open their own business. They bought a motel in Burley, Idaho, where they lived for six years then expanded to St. George where they bought and managed the TraveLodge East motel.
Anxious to be involved in good causes, she ran an aid station for years for the St. George Marathon and played the oboe in the Southwest Symphony Orchestra (1980 – 1988). She and Glen also served a member locator mission and served continuously in the St. George Sixth Ward, East Stake.
She is survived by her children: Glen (Sonya) Thomas, Mary Anne (Greg) Walker and Jenny (Chris) Jones; 13 grandchildren; sister, Lucille Taylor; brother, Bob (Sharon) Gatenby; sister-in-law, Peggy Gatenby; and sister-in-law, Lois Thomas. She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, and two brothers, J.D. and Thom Gatenby.
Funeral Services
- Funeral services will be held Saturday, Dec. 20, at 11 a.m. at the St. George LDS East Stake Center, 449 South 300 East, St. George, Utah.
- A visitation will be held Saturday, from 9-10:30 a.m. prior to services, at the Stake Center.
- Interment will be in the St. George City Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221. Please visit the Metcalf Mortuary website for condolences, complete obituary and funeral listings.
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