Glenna Bates Brown Thomas Obituary (2008)

“Forever Young” Glenna was born “39” years ago on January 23 to George Albion and Camilla Warr Bates in Shoshone, ID. On Friday, July 25, 2008, from her home in South Jordan, she slipped peacefully into heaven’s hands. She spent her early childhood in Erda, UT, and her teenage years in Provo where she graduated from Provo High. Mom was lucky in love. She caught the eye of Lynn W. Brown, a handsome returned missionary from her Provo ward and the love of her youth, and danced her way into dad’s heart and life. They were married December 13 in the Salt Lake Temple and began creating a wonderful life together. They lived in Provo, Woodland, Orem and Price and finally settled into a home in Holladay. Five children born to them were blessed by their love and devotion to each other and their Heavenly Father. They set a great example of a faithful home filled with love and laughter and strong, eternal family unity. When daddy passed away in September 1972, we didn’t think mom could go on without him. Her luck in love continued, however, when she caught the eye of another handsome returned missionary and danced her way into the heart and life of Ronald K. Thomas, the love of her golden years. Mom and Ron were married December 22, 1973, and have had a good life together. They continued to live in Holladay until 1998 when they moved to their “haven” on earth, their beloved Fairview. After many happy years there, they returned to Salt Lake two years ago where mom and Ron would have more medical resources and family support. Though mom’s health has slowly yet steadily declined, Ron’s love and service to her have grown. We are and will be forever grateful for the special, gentle and ever watchful care he has provided, especially this last year. Mom is survived by her loving husband and four of her devoted children: David L. (Marilyn Evans), Sandy; Kenneth W. (Heidi Bacher), Cripple Creek, CO; Bonnie (William) Partridge, Perry; and Kathilyn (Russ) Rosander, Murray. Another daughter, Peggy Adams, a great-grandson, Skyler Brown, and 8 siblings preceded mom in death. Mom is also survived by Ron’s children: Ronalee Novotny, Las Vegas, NV; Shawn (Pattiann), Pleasant View; Corrine, and Clark, Salt Lake; a sister, Georganna (Marvin) Fisher, Roy; 24 favorite grandchildren who adore her, 34 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews who love colorful Aunt Glenna. Mom, now free from earthly pain, is dancing into eternity. We love you, we’ll miss you, we are blessed because of you. Special thanks to the wonderful nurses and aides from Heartwood Hospice who lovingly cared for mom and helped us through these last few weeks. We are grateful. Services will be held Saturday, August 2, 2008, at 11:00 am at the River Ridge 8th Ward LDS Chapel, 10200 S 1300 W. A viewing will be held Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 pm at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley, 1007 W South Jordan Parkway (10600 S) and at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment Mt. View Memorial Estates.