Our beautiful and gracious mother and grandmother, Emily Gillette, returned to join her beloved Ted on Oct. 21, 2001. She leaves a loving family and a grand legacy of grace, poise, determination, and gratitude.
Emily was born with her twin brother Elmer on Sept. 12, 1909 in Grantsville, UT. to John Edward and Sarah Ellen Butler. She married her school sweetheart Ted Gillette on March 23, 1928 in Preston, Idaho. They made their home in Tooele where they together formed and operated the Gillette Ambulance and Taxi Service. They became locally famous on the Bonneville Salt Flats during annual speed racing events. Emily, the only woman ever, received the racetrack "Man of the Year" award for her service and dedication. Emily and Ted enjoyed fishing, camping, dancing, and serving others in the community and church. Her accomplished ballroom dancing was an attraction to witness and became very well known by all who were acquainted with her. She wore elegant dancing gowns and would perform all the dance steps in special rhythmic style. She became very well known at the Murray Arts Center where she was interviewed several times by local television stations. The family fondly remembers her warm welcoming spirit, Thanksgiving dinners, Easter egg hunts, and Christmas at Grandma's where she would model new dancing gowns.
Emily is survived by her two children, Yvonne (Don) Norton, Ronald D. (Sharon), Tooele; seven grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren; a brother, Glen. She was preceded in death by her husband Ted Gillette; parents, brothers, Alvin, Walter, Clyde, Elmer, and a sister Eva.
Services will be Friday, Oct. 26, 2001 at 1 p.m., Tooele 14th Ward, 192 West 200 South, with a viewing 12-12:45 p.m. prior to services. Friends may also call Thurs., Oct. 25th, 6:30-8 p.m. at Tate Mortuary, 110 So Main St. Tooele.
Interment Tooele City Cemetery.
A special thank you and appreciation is expressed to the considerate care extended by the staff at Tooele Valley Nursing Center. Thank you also to the many friends who have asked so often concerning Emily's health and welfare. Thank you all so very much.