Joy Baily Gates

Joy Bailey Gates
August 26, 1925 – January 5, 2025

Joy Bailey Gates pass away quietly on January 5, 2025 in Holden, Utah, at the age of 99. Joy was born on August 26, 1925, in Escalante, Utah, to Harvey Clive Bailey and Lasca Vern Black. She was raised alongside her siblings: Geraldine, Leone, Wayne, and Roma.

Joy graduated from Escalante High School in 1943 and worked in the office of the Richmond Shipyard Number 4 in 1944 during World War II. Joy married Bud J Gates on November 10, 1945, and together they raised their beloved son, Harvey Dean Gates.

In 1957, they moved to Salt Lake City, where her parents soon bought a house right across the street. In 1958, she became a hair dresser—a profession she loved. Later, she transitioned to working as an aide at Granite Park Junior High until she retired. She immensely enjoyed working with the students.

Bud and Joy spent more than 59 years together before Bud’s passing in 2004. Family was of utmost importance to Joy, and she was a devoted daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, niece, aunt, and friend. She was generous, often spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and had a knack for choosing thoughtful gifts. A beautiful and classy lady, her sense of style was impeccable—perfect hair, latest fashion, and flawless skin.

Joy was a lover of music and could play the piano by ear. She also maintained a beautiful and spotless home filled with lovely furnishings. An avid sports fan, Joy closely followed the Utah Jazz and traveled all over Utah supporting her grandsons and great-grandsons in football, baseball, basketball, and wrestling. Joy was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, faithfully keeping her sacred covenants throughout her life. Her legacy is one of hard work, faith, love, and devotion.

She is preceded in death by her parents, brother Harvey Leon Bailey, sisters Geraldine Munson and Roma Clark, and grandson Jeffrey Don Gates. She is survived by her brother, Wayne Clive Bailey, son Harvey Dean Gates (Diana) of Holden, UT, grandsons Michael Dean Gates (LaRay) and Shawn Bud Gates, and great-grandchildren Kylee Anne Brindley (Wyatt), Rachel Joy Gates (Troy Jones), Jacob Dean Gates, Allyssa Joan Gates (Nate Petty), John Nelson Gates (Alexandria White), and Daniel Michael Gates. Her great-great-grandchildren Case, Waylon, and Stevie Brindley.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the Holden LDS Chapel, 100 N 110 East. The family will receive friends for a viewing from 10:00-10:45 AM, prior to the funeral service. Interment will follow at the Holden Town Cemetery under the direction of Rasmussen Mortuary.

The family of Joy extends their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful neighbors, ward members, and caregivers in both Salt Lake and Holden who served her in her later years. Your love and care meant the world to her.

To Watch Funeral Services Live, Click Here. The Live Zoom Link will Activate at 10:45 a.m. MST