Wendy Bates

Wendy Ovard Bates passed away peacefully Monday, May 7, 2018 in St. George, Utah surrounded by family.

She was born September 9, 1953 to Carl and Kathleen Ovard, Wendy grew up in Henefer, Utah where she, her 5 siblings and childhood friends enjoyed a memorable youth from playing in the river, riding bicycles, helping with animals and working in the family store. She often reminisced of these joyful days.

Wendy was blessed with eight children that she loved infinitely and were the center of her world. Wendy faced many obstacles in her life on this earth, but they all seemed to melt away, in late 1998 when she met her loving husband, Dean. They were married on April 28, 2000, and later sealed in 2005 in the St. George Temple.

Blessed with a nurturing spirit, Wendy had and inventive mind and loved to serve and help others in whatever way she could. She had a strong testimony of the LDS Church and enjoyed her opportunities to serve in various capacities. Wendy loved to collect nick-nacks from around the world and loved to learn about different cultures. Most recently Wendy traveled to Africa where she became “Naorroi” which means “loved by many”. She was loved and cherished by the Maasia people, and left an everlasting imprint on the souls that she met there.

Along with her companion, Dean, they loved, served, taught, and instilled values of love, compassion, hard work, integrity and leadership in all of their children.

Wendy leaves a lasting impression with the memories she shared with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, friends and family; from playing in the yard, Thanksgiving Bingo, chocolate creamies, making cakes, murder mysteries, cutting hair and being the crazy cat lady.

She is survived by her children Jenefer Tynsky, Robert (Melissa) Little, Teri Christensen, Kathryn Christensen, Angie Christensen, Marilyn (Oledere) Sorensen, Brandon (Crystal) Bates and Darrin Bates, as well as siblings Elaine (Lane) Fawcett, Randy (Becky) Ovard, Jeff (Susan) Ovard, Chris (Katrina) Ovard.  21 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Dean, parents and younger brother, Lee.

The family would like to thank the Hospice care at Integrated Senior Care, especially Tammy.

Services will be held Saturday, May 12 at 12 noon. at the Henefer LDS Church in Henefer, UT. A viewing will be held Saturday from 10 to 11:45 am prior to services.  Interment will follow at the Henefer Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.walker-mortuary.com