Ivins, Utah - Gwen Birkes, 80, passed away peacefully at her home in Ivins, Utah, July 1, 2011 of congestive heart failure. She was born March 3, 1931 to Charles Eldon and Priscilla Hill Roberts in Salt Lake City, Utah. Little Gwen was blessed with the name Gwendolyn Adora. She married her sweetheart, John Eugene Birkes on March 17, 1948. Mom always said she got married on a holiday, so Johnny would remember the anniversary (and he always did). As a young couple, they truly enjoyed their Friday night dancing at the Moose Lodge in SLC. She loved to get dressed up! Talented and creative, Gwens handwork flowed generously, gifted to friends, family and children around the world as well as right here in Dixie, with knitted baby hats for newborns and lap quilts for seniors. Mom loved a good book, Lawrence Welk, the Tabernacle Choir, hummingbirds, flowers, Precious Moments, Tweety Bird, a spotless kitchen sink and cheering on the Jazz! Sporty Gwen bowled on a team with her dad, and with the Striketts back in the sixties. She would say with a twinkle in her eye I lived, ate and slept bowling! . We learned about love and service from our mother as she would go every day for a year to the home of a beloved friend, to comfort her during a terminal illness. She enjoyed volunteering as a Pink Lady at the hospital in St. George, Utah. John and Gwen moved to Ivins near the big red mountain in 1973. Traveling in the 5th wheel brought many years of enjoyment. Shes a sweetheart, a mother, grandmother and friend, and will be remembered as a gracious and beautiful woman with a great sense of humor. Gwen is survived by her husband, Johnny; four children: Marsha Kay (Doug) Bryan of Kingman, AZ, Judy Lynn (Dennis) Butler of Diamond Valley, Charles Eugene (Kathy) of West Bountiful and Brent William (Terri) of St. George; 18 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren (All because two people fell in love!). She is also survived by a dear sister, Carol Satterfield and two brothers, Eldon Edward Bud and Michael D. Roberts. Gwen was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Donna; brothers, Richard and William; and a grandson, David Bryan. The family wishes to express appreciation to Southern Utah Home Care and Coral Desert Rehabilitation Center for the tender care rendered over the last six months. Funeral services will be held Friday, July 8, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at the Ivins LDS 2nd Ward Chapel, 15 North Main Street, Ivins, Utah. A visitation will be held Friday, prior to services, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Chapel. Interment will follow at the Ivins City Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221.