St George Utah – Our devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Merlene Ross-Gates passed away in St. George, Utah on August 21, 2024. She was born on July 18, 1944, in Salt Lake City, Utah and was raised in Murray, UT.

Merlene graduated from Murray High School and studied at Stevens-Henagar College for nursing.

She married the love of her life, Donald Jay Gates, on April 7, 1985, in Salt Lake City. They moved a few years later to St. George, Utah and have lived there since.

Merlene joined the Ladies of the Elks Lodge Event Planning Committee where she devoted her time setting up holiday events, charity events and decorating for each of these events.

Don and Merlene were able to build their dream home and make special memories with family and friends. After retiring they set out traveling through out the United States and Mexico.

After traveling for several years, they decided to have a home base back in St. George for the winter and live in Star Valley, Wyoming for the Summers. She enjoyed golfing and hanging out with family and friends.

Merlene was preceded in the death of her parents, Gerald Francis Ross and Katherine Ross; her husband, Donald Jay Gates; and son-in-law, Kory S. O'Brien.

She leaves behind her children: Debra O'Brien, Teresa (George) Gallegos, Robyn (Craig) Jackson; grandchildren: Crystal Curfew, Dasha Sommer, Kristopher Alires, Ryan O'Brien, Amber Murphy, Candace Gallegos, Crystal Shantell-Gallegos, Shelby Jackson; and many great-grandchildren; and her dog Tikie!

Services will be held Friday, October 4, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Maeser Fairway Cemetery, 300 South 3500 West, Vernal, Utah. Location is at the Maeser Columbarium Cemetery Wall Southwest Side G-3.

A lunch will be provided at 2:30 p.m. by Merlene's daughters at; 7-11 Ranch Restaurant located at 77 East Main Street, Vernal, UT 84078.