On Monday, June 4, 2018, Janice Jean Kunz Bates reaped the rewards of her faith, her diligence, her patience and long-suffering when she passed into the next phase of her life. She was most surely welcomed by her husband, Orval David Bates.
Our beloved mother began her earth life on September 3, 1932, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and spent her childhood in the shadow of the beautiful Oquirrh Mountains. Her hard-working and excellent parents, Joseph Lehi and Neva Murphy Kunz, taught her truth and right; and growing up with her brother and sisters brought her great joy. Her ancestors from Switzerland, Ireland, Germany, and England sacrificed much to come to the West and follow the path the Lord meant for them and their children.
After high school, she met the love of her life, Orval David Bates. They were married on March 14, 1952, in the Salt Lake Temple. Being sealed together in the temple was the foundation of their lives. Orval’s service in the Navy called them to Hawaii, and eventually San Diego, where they settled and reared their family of six children. She spent much time alone with her small children, as Navy wives are often called to do. Janice was her husband’s life and support as he finished at college, became a teacher, and served in numerous leadership positions. She also enjoyed ministering to many through her own callings and those of her husband. Many were blessed at her hand. As the wife of a Stake President and then Bishop, she hosted many in her home as they came from Salt Lake City to Lemon Grove, California to visit in their various callings. She kept a lovely home, with careful attention to making her home a beautiful and welcoming place for all.
Janice and Orval especially loved their closeness with the people of Hawaii and San Diego. She took a genuine interest in people and this helped many of the friendships she developed to be strong and lasting. She was humbled to be a part of the San Diego community and to be involved in the continued growth of the Church there. Together they accomplished much good. Janice worked for LDS Church Social Service and found much fulfillment and joy through those with whom she served.
Janice made certain her children were taught the principles of managing their homes and lives. More importantly, she taught her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Widowed for 22 years, she continued as the Matriarch of her family and was most concerned for her posterity, every one. Beloved by them, she will be dearly missed but remembered as they try to pattern their lives of service and love after her example.
Orval preceded her in death. They have a great legacy and posterity. Their six children; Corinne ‘Cori’ (Richard) Lundgreen, Jolene Leaman, Orval David (Tina) Bates, Jr., Brian Lehi (Minda) Bates, Hyrum McKay (Katherine) Bates, and Matthew Ryan (Sunshine) Bates; 27 grandchildren, and 34 great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by 1 grandson and 3 great-grandchildren.
A viewing will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Sunday, June 10, 2018 at the LDS Church building at 11970 South 1900 West, Riverton, Utah. Funeral services will be held Monday, June 11, 2018 at 11:00 am, at the LDS Church building listed above, with a viewing from 10:00 to 10:45 am prior to the funeral.
