Wilma Marie Coates

Wilma Coates

Aurora, Utah

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend Wilma Marie Whitlock Coates, age 88, was received back into the arms of her Lord and Savior, November 28, 2020, at her home in Aurora, Utah. She was born in the family home in Mayfield, Utah to Kenneth and Orpha Christiansen Whitlock on October 15, 1932, the middle of seven children. Wilma grew up milking cows and helping on the family farm. Hers was a tight knit family that loved being together.

She met her cowboy, Boyd H. Coates, at a livestock show in 1947. They were married in the Salt Lake City Temple, August 14, 1952. To their family they added four children: Clair, Ann Marie, Julie, and Charlie. Working for the Wintch Livestock Company, Boyd was quoted in the 1976 Salt Lake Tribune as saying, "She works like a man. There's nothing she can't do. She reports weather conditions for the US weather service, cuts hair, sews, docks lambs, pulls calves, farms, cans, bakes, acts as a butcher, teaches a scouting class, substitutes at the Milford schools and writes."

Wilma had a firm testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. She loved studying the scriptures and enjoyed teaching the gospel. She strongly believed in the power of prayer and was a woman of great faith. She was always in the service of her Savior, her family, and her fellow men. Wilma loved writing and kept a daily journal. Whenever a thought or incident occurred, she would write it down. An avid reader, she read countless books; a wonderful memory which lasted throughout her 88 years. She never stopped learning.

She is survived by her children: Clair K. Coates, Lost Creek; Ann Marie (Carl) Breinholt, Richfield; Julie (Carl) Wanlass, Lost Creek: Charles (Tonya) Coates, Aurora; 9 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren; sisters Sheryl Voorhees and Barbara Winterrowd.

Preceded in death by husband, Boyd H. Coates; parents Ken and Orpha; brothers Charles and Glen Whitlock; sisters Rae Lou Olsen and Beth Ann Willden.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, December 3, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. in the Magleby Mortuary Chapel in Richfield. A viewing will be held on Wednesday evening from 6 to 7 p.m. and again Thursday from 12:00 Noon to 1:00 p.m. Burial will be in the Gunnison City Cemetery. Online guestbook and live streaming will be available under Wilma’s obit at www.magleymortuary.com. Due to COVID-19, all attendees are required to wear masks and adhere to social distancing guidelines. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.