Barbara Ellen Morwood passed away peacefully in her sleep at home in St. George, Utah on May 2, 2022, at the age of 103. She was born September 22, 1918, in Salina, Utah to William Clayton Gates and Dorthia Ellen Poulsen Gates. Barbara, better known as Bobby to her family and friends, was raised in Salina, Utah. Growing up she loved to dance and have get togethers at her home with her friends. She graduated from North Sevier High School and worked at a five and dime store where she earned $5.00 for a six-day work week.
Barbara met Lawrence John Morwood who was in the CCC’s stationed in Salina. She met him at the roller rink where he owned and rented skates. They were later married on August 14, 1937. They lived in Salina, Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, Parker, Arizona, Las Vegas, Nevada and moved to St. George, Utah in 1959. Together they had eight children: Bill Morwood (Sandy) of Logandale, Nevada, Dennis Morwood (Barbara) of Beaver, Utah, Don Lynn Morwood (Dianna) of Ivins, Utah, Terry Morwood (Kathy) of Washington, Utah, Mary Ellen Call of Pipestem, West Virginia, Janet Morwood of Santa Clara, Utah, Rick Morwood (Sally) of Salina, Utah, and Chad Morwood of Glenwood, Utah.
Barbara was a wonderful, devoted mother and grandmother who was greatly loved by all. Through the years Bobby loved to read, play games and especially enjoyed getting together with her family. She also enjoyed many treasured friendships. Barbara was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in the primary, the relief society and the library.
She is survived by her children, 34 grandchildren, 106 great-grandchildren, 57 great-great-grandchildren, her sister Elna Hampton of Salina, Utah, and sister-in-law Ruby Gates of Kearns, Utah. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two granddaughters and brothers: Bryce Gates and wife Roene, Don Gates and wives Helen and Dorlene, and Phillo Gates.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, May 9, 2022, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel located at 415 Westridge Drive, St. George, Utah. Visitation prior to services from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Graveside services will be held at 3:30 p.m. in Salina, Utah.
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Family and friends are invited to share tributes online. Arrangements and memorial tree planting by Serenity Funeral Home of Southern Utah, 435-986-9100.