Karroll Ann Gates

Karroll Ann was born on January 15, 1941, in Pasadena, California, to Margaret Ann Troutman and Alex Morgan Flint. As the eldest of five children, much of her childhood was spent caring for her younger siblings and navigating foster homes and an orphanage, experiences that shaped her into a resilient, independent woman.

In 1956, her family moved to Kentucky, where Karroll's sharp intellect quickly became evident. Finding high school unchallenging, she spent her days tutoring others and immersing herself in books. She later earned her GED with ease, completing the two-day exam in just five hours.

Karroll's love of learning stayed with her throughout her life. She would often be found doing research about many topics that interested her. She was someone who found common ground with anyone she met. She is known for being upbeat, spunky, and speaking her mind.

After leaving high school, Karroll moved to Chicago where she met her first husband, Cesar Manuel Baez. They married in September of 1960 and welcomed a son, Cesar Manuel "Poncho" Jr (Ron Ball). Tragically, Cesar was killed in a workplace accident just three years later, leaving Karroll widowed at 22. Her father passed away that same year, deepening her grief.

Karroll returned to Kentucky, where she later married Gerald Tucker. Together they had four children: Karen Elizabeth, Rhonda Sue, Gerald Thomas "Jay" Jr, and Anthony Clayton "Tony." When the marriage ended, Karroll faced the immense challenge of raising five young children on her own. She made the difficult decision to place her children for adoption, trusting they would receive the stability she longed to give them. Through the encouragement of her dear friend Patty Ball, Karroll maintained loving relationships with her children.

Determined to build a better future, Karroll pursued nursing. In 1979, she graduated from San Jacinto College with her BSN. That year she received the highest score on the nursing boards for the entire state of Texas. Karroll went on to work as a nurse for 24 years. She worked as a charge nurse, nursing supervisor, and nurse manager of a Maternal/Child unit, roles in which she excelled. While working in Texas, Karroll met her husband, Bobby Gates. They adopted their son, Bobby Joe "Bub" Jr.

Karroll was a convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She joined the Church in the early 1970s. She later received her temple endowment and was sealed to Cesar Manuel Baez on October 8, 2008. She served a mission at Welfare Square and found great joy in genealogy, taking many family names to the temple. Her faith was a source of strength and purpose throughout her life.

Karroll passed away peacefully with family by her side at the age of 85 on Saturday, April 18, 2026. She will be remembered for her positive outlook and enduring faith in the Lord through every trial and health challenge.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three of her siblings; Alex, Stanley, and Robbie; her spouses, Cesar Baez, and Bobby Gates; and three children; Rhonda, Jay, and Tony. She is survived by her brother Rodney; her children, Ron, Karen, and Bobby; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Due to her devotion to science and nursing education, she made the honorable choice to donate her body to the Body Donor Program at the University of Utah.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 25th 2026, 11:00 a.m. in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Chapel located at, 4251 S 4800 W, West Valley City, UT 84120. Family and friends are invited to visit with the family beginning at 10:00 a.m, prior to the service.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dignity Home Health and Hospice for their compassionate care during her final year.