Karen Coates

Karen Coates
Circleville, Utah

    My sweet angel mother, Karen Dalton Coates, passed 21 days after her sweetheart, my loving dad of 65 years, on October 27, 2022. Some say that she might have died from a broken heart thinking about being on earth without her dear husband, Kent. She was a devoted wife, mother, a beloved "Grandma Great," sister, aunt and friend to many.
    Karen entered this world on October 18, 1939 in Circleville, Utah to Grant Wiley and Athenese Chamberlain Dalton. She was the fourth of eight children in her family:  Roger (Jackie) both deceased, Doris (Boyd) both deceased, Lynn, deceased, Ted (Sue), Layne (Linda), Lou, deceased (Merrill), Debbie (Ray) both deceased. 
    Karen’s talents were countless. She was a wonderful seamstress, outstanding cook, hair stylist, tole painter and crafter, organizer, bookkeeper, homemaker and vanilla ice-cream cone lover. She excelled in her musical talents often sharing her singing voice and piano playing with family, friends, church and the community.
    In 1957, she met the love of her life, Kent Luke Coates.  On October 5, 1957 they were married in Circleville, Utah. They became eternal companions when their marriage was solemnized in the St. George Temple on April 13, 1963. They made their home in Circleville, a place Karen loved and lived most of her life. After dealing with the heartache of a stillbirth daughter in 1960, they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Lori in 1962.  They stood by one another through the good and the bad and built an unbreakable bond from the ground up. They were a picture perfect example to their family of giving all that you have to the one you love.
    Karen was employed as the secretary of Circleville Elementary School for 27 years where she fell in love with so many children. Her career was one of the highlights of her life, taking care of and educating the minds of the children. She played an eager and willing role in filling any and all positions where needed including a substitute teacher, arts and music, kindergarten aid, along with all of her duties as secretary.  One child at school boasted, "Miss Karen is THE BOSS!"
    Closer to the end of her career, together with Kent, they built their dream cabin on Beaver
Mountain. This mountain home is full of many cherished family memories.  For years she enjoyed spending time there with her "Honey" and being in the mountain air.  She told her family often, "Many memories and fun live there and I hope that always continues into the next generations." She loved hunting in the surrounding mountains of the area where she acquired the nickname of, “Calamity Jane.”  Fishing in Otter Creek Reservoir was a favorite of hers.  It seemed her line always caught the biggest fish. “You gotta hold your mouth just right!”
    Anyone who knew Karen, knew that her favorite time of year was Christmas.  She watched Christmas movies and exemplified the Christmas Spirit year round. She had a heart of gold and giving to her family and others was her passion. She adored her family and counted them as her most treasured blessings in her life. She looked forward to every single visit from all of them! Her sweet spirit, delicious Christmas candies and the reciting of “T’was the Night Before Christmas” poem will be missed.
    She was a diligent servant and held many callings, both stake and ward level, for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her testimony was strong and she held a deep love for her gracious Savior and Father in Heaven. 

         Although her family’s hearts are broken, we are glad that she is free from her health problems and suffering. We are comforted in knowing that she is reunited with her eternal companion. We know they are having a joyful reunion meeting their daughter in heaven. Also, that she is having an elated reunion with her eternal family. We love you to the moon and back forever! Until me meet again our sweet angel. 
    Karen is survived by her daughter, Lori (Terry) Worthen; grandchildren: Brittany (James) Hoyt, Danielle (David) Fontano, Colton (Jackie) Worthen; and 9 great-grandchildren: Sheridyn, Madison, Jaylee, Griffin, McKoy, Henry, Tavin, Walter and Jaxton. 
    We wish to thank all the extraordinary people who have helped our family over the last year. Our friends and family have carried us through a challenging time that we have faced. A special thanks to Bishop Lynn Morgan, Intermountain Home Health; Kalli, Shauna and Jody. Also, Sun Tree Home Health and Hospice; Ethan Bunker, Janelle and All Seasons Senior Living Center and their angel employees. 
    Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 5, 2022 at 12:00 Noon in the Circleville 2nd Ward Chapel, 195 W 200 S, where friends may call from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Circleville Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and  Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com   
    In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Circleville 2nd Ward missionary fund.