Lewane Bates

Together Again

Lewane Leishman Bates, our Mother, Grandmother, Grandma Great, neighbor, and friend passed away peacefully on May 29, 2024, at the University of Utah Hospital with family by her side. Lewane was born on May 28, 1933, in Ogden, Utah to Aaron and Harriet C. Leishman. She grew up on a dairy farm in Wellsville, Utah where she thoroughly enjoyed working alongside her father and caring for her many animals.

She attended a dental program and enjoyed working as a dental assistant until marriage took her in a different direction. Lewane married the love of her life, Edward Bruce Bates, on December 14, 1956. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Logan Utah Temple. Together they raised eight children in Tooele, Utah.

Mom was raised with a knowledge of her ancestors and was proud of her pioneer heritage. She was a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved her father in heaven and had a strong testimony of her savior. She attended the temple regularly and served as Primary President, Relief Society President, primary teacher, ward librarian, and as a visiting teacher for over 60 years.

She loved camping, fishing, gardening, canning, quilting, reading books, and spent many hours crocheting baby blankets for her grandchildren. Mom enjoyed her monthly luncheons with her cousins and the love and support she received from her family as she got older. Each one of us, her children, and grandchildren, loved her and appreciated all she did for us and how much she meant to each of us. We cherish the heritage she left us. She was blessed with a large family including over 100 grandchildren. Mom was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Each member of the family loved her and helped her when they had the opportunity.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, brother Carl and Florence Leishman, brother-in-law Ray Lowe, her husband Edward Bruce Bates, son Gary and Elaine Bates, and daughter Linda Custer.

She is survived by her sister Helen, children Lonnie (Laurali) Bates, Barbara (Lee) Lemmon, Sharon Grimnes, Scott (Laura) Bates, Jill (Jack) Fahrion, Rebecca (Scott) Golsong, son-in-law Bob Custer, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, June 6 from 9:30 - 10:45 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 583 North 270 East, Tooele, Utah. Funeral service will be held following the viewing at 11:00 a.m. She will be laid to rest in the Wellsville, Utah cemetery.