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Laura May Bates Arnold
May 15, 1930 - July 16, 2021
Our beloved and blessed Laura May Bates Arnold passed away peacefully at her home on July 16, 2021 surrounded by family. She was born May 15, 1930, in the family home to Ernest Bates and Louise Butler Bates in the Teton Valley area of Idaho. Laura came from a large family (siblings: Hyrum, Leonora, Merrill, June, Orrin, Irvin, Neva, Steven, Velda, Wanda, Gwenith, Derold, Cloyd, Marvin, Twila, and Carol). She spoke fondly of growing up on the family farm with her siblings and remained close to them throughout her life.
As a young woman, Laura attended Teton Valley High School and graduated from Ricks College (now known as BYU Idaho) with a major in Elementary Education and a double minor in Music and Psychology. After graduation, Laura taught numerous elementary students in the Bonneville and Jordan School Districts.
Laura strived her entire life to be a missionary and follow the Savior's example. She served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Western Canadian Mission. She also served in many callings, including den mother, young women's president, chorister, ward missionary, and visiting teacher. In addition, Laura spent many hours researching ancestors and linking genealogical records.
Laura married Gerald L. Arnold on August 16, 1957, in the Idaho Falls Temple. Together, they were wonderful parents and raised ten children. Laura taught her children the value of hard work, patriotism, and a love for the gospel of Jesus Christ. She spent countless hours faithfully keeping journals and updating her children's baby books. She was the motivating force behind each of her sons achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.
This amazing and elect woman will be missed greatly and is survived by her children Sherilyn, Deanna, James, Bruce (Povie), Elaine (Robert), David (Georgia), Shirley (Ted), Steven (Kristin), Aaron (Jenn), Kim (Matt) and siblings, Gwen Shepherd, Derold (Nyla) Bates, Marvin Bates, Twila Worthington, Carol (Charlie) Pyne, 36 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren (so far).
Laura loved everyone and is no doubt enjoying a traditional Bates family reunion with her parents, husband Gerald, and siblings Hyrum Bates (infant), Leonora (Albert) Tenity, Merrill (Thora) Bates, June (Morris) Josephson, Orrin (Marjorie) Bates, Irvin (Ruth) Bates, Neva (Rollo) Barrett, Steven (Mary) Bates, Velda (J) Bevan; (Frank) McKellar, Wanda (Dee) Humble, Cloyd (Elenor) Bates, (Todd Shepherd), (Shirley Bates), (Paul Worthington) son-in-law Milan Hopkins, granddaughters Audrey May Arnold and McKenzee Bird.
We are grateful to have had this wonderful and beautiful woman in our lives and, through the atonement of Jesus Christ, look forward the day when we see her once again.
The family would like to thank all of those who so lovingly cared for our sweet Laura and treated her with such dignity, kindness, and respect during her final moments on earth.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, July 26, 2021 at the Sandy Park Ward, 1050 East Galena Drive, Sandy, UT. A visitation will be held on Sunday evening from 6-8 pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy, UT and Monday morning from 9:30-10:30 am prior to the services at the church. If you would like to watch the services virtually or share a favorite memory of Laura with her family, please visit larkincares.com.
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To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Larkin Sunset Gardens - Sandy.
5 Entries
I just learned today that my sweet bonus aunt, Aunt Laura, passed away last year. She was such a dear friend to my mother, Marva. I have memories of Aunt Laura babysitting me as a young child and she definitely had the gift of gab and the gift of always making my mom smile. Sending love to her family.
Debra Sorenson Ma
Friend
June 16, 2022
To all the Arnold family, I send my condolences for your Mothers passing. I hope for you all, her peace will bring solace. God bless.
yvette Brimhall
Family
July 25, 2021
She was a wonderful lady!
Richard cooper
Friend
July 23, 2021
Aunt Laura´s Beautiful spirit Brightened any room.I loved the times we went to lunch, met at her house, or just talked and laughed.
She will be dearly missed.
Geraldine Bates Pezely
July 22, 2021
So sorry to hear of Sister Arnold´s passing. Years and relationships pass by. David was one of our Oklahoma missionaries whom we loved dearly. Her brother Derold and I were in business for many years. Greatful for the Bates family legacy as I have know many of them.
Love, Tom and Karen Bird
Tom Bird
Friend
July 22, 2021
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Larkin Sunset Gardens - Sandy1950 East Dimple Dell Road 1950 E 10600 S, Sandy, UT 84092
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Larkin Sunset Gardens - Sandy1950 East Dimple Dell Road 1950 E 10600 S, Sandy, UT 84092
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