Elizabeth Fetzer Bates, 90, beloved of all who knew her, died peacefully on November 20, 1999, in Salt Lake City, Utah, of causes incident to age.
She was born on March 30, 1909, in Salt Lake City, to John and Margaret Baer Fetzer. She distinguished herself as a musician at an early age, studying piano and organ, serving as accompanist for church and civic affairs, and later singing in the Tabernacle Choir. After her graduation from LDS Business College, she served a mission to the Northern States from 1928 to 1930. In 1933, she married Lucian Bates in the Salt Lake Temple. For a time, she was the executive secretary for Governor Herbert B. Maw. Her life was filled with service to her children, parents, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and to all those in need of food, clothing, shelter and counsel.Despite the blindness which resulted from an accident in 1951, she completed three degrees at the University of Utah in social work and music, devotedly cared for her children and grandchildren, and taught piano for 45 years, instilling a love of music in three generations of students and family. A prolific composer, she wrote the beloved "Book of Mormon Stories" and "Pioneer Children Sang As They Walked." In the early 1970's, she and her husband served a mission to Washington State. She received many awards for her music and distinguished service to others.
She is survived by her six children and their spouses, Beth Ann (Fred) Clawson, John F. (Christa) Bates, Douglas F. (Eva) Bates, Margo F. (Glenn) Thompson, Edward F. (Kathy) Bates, Daniel F. (Patty) Bates; 31 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and three brothers, Emil, John and Joseph Fetzer. She was preceded in death by her husband Lucian, brother Henry, sister Margaret and grandson William.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4, 1999, at the Yale Ward, 1431 E. Gilmer Dr. Friends and family may call from 11:45-12:45 p.m. prior to services at the church. Interment will be in the Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.
The family wishes to thank the nurses and caregivers at Hillside Rehabilitation Center and University of Utah Medical Center for the loving care given our mother. Mother, your example of service, integrity, courage and gratitude will forever resonate in our lives.