BLACKFOOT – Gayle Burrup Bales, 70, of Blackfoot, returned home to her Heavenly Father on Wednesday, January 14, 1998 while in th Portneuf Balley Hospital and Rehabilitation Center in Pocatello, Idaho.
Gayle was born November 15, 1927 to James Lee and Mary Salverson Burrup in Downey, Idaho. She was the ninth of 11 children, reared in a happy home in the Grant Ward and Lone Pine areas near Downey.
She attended Grant and Downey schools, and graduated from Downey High School in 1946.
Gayle married Lynn Raymond Bales on June 7, 1946. Together they reared six sons and four daughters. Their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls temple on May 4, 1965. Gayle and Lynn celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in June of 1996.
Gayle began taking piano lessons when only 5 years old. She was well known for her perfect musical pitch, and often asked to assist in tuning pianos. She played for church meetings when very young. Her bishop would talk to her just before the services began, and then she would accompany the congregation. She gave piano lessons for many years.
Gayle was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many capacities, including ward organist, choir director, Relief Society president, visiting teacher, counselor in Primary presidency, Young Women’s presidency, and teacher.
Gayle spent her whole life in service to others. Her husband and children always came first, followed by extended family and friends. She was an excellent seamstress, and enjoyed quilting and crocheting.
Gayle willingly shared her talents. She was gifted in recognizing the importance of others, and then helping them feel their self-worth. She took numerous classes on self-esteem, and shared the information freely with family and friends.
Gayle enjoyed reading. She was self-educated. She was interested in all aspects of life. Each year she set new * ** *** few months of her life and illness she continued her study of religion and art, literature, world history and geography.
Gayle’s health was very important to her. She walked and exercised regularly, and rode a stationary bike as many as 20 miles a day. Taking care of mind and body were a priority.
Gayle leaves to mourn her passing her beloved husband, Lynn, of 51 years; six sons, Blake L. (Nancy) of Middleton, Idaho, Blair J. of Aberdeen, Washington, Kelly E. (Sally) of Grand Junction, Colo., Kevin Todd (Julie) of Richmond, Utah, Steven Lynn (Anita) of Blackfoot, Mike (Mary Lu) Virtue (Bales) of Blackfoot; four daughters, Jocelyn Jamison, Pocatello, Julie (Carl) Wright and Kathleen (Laurie) Williams, Idaho Falls, Cherie (Scott) Packham of Blackfoot; 32 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Ray Burrup of Cane Beds, Ariz., and Max (Nita) Burrup of Richland, Wash.; two sisters, Fern (Hurdis) Cornelison of Idaho Falls, and Gena Lee (Merrill) Evans of Blackfoot; numerous nieces and nephews; and many, many friends. She was preceded in death by son, Bradley B. Bales, grandson, Jerry Howard, granddaughter, Jessica Bales, her parents, brothers, Reed, Holt, Ross and sisters, Gladys, Nona and June.
A family viewing will be held on Sunday evening, January 18 at Hill, Hawker and Sandberg Funeral Home from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Blackfoot, and also one hour prior to the services at the church Monday. Services will be held on Monday, January 19, at 11 a.m. in the Blackfoot LDS East Stake Center,1289 Mt. Putnam Drive, Blackfoot. Burial will follow in the Downey Cemetery at 2 p.m.
A dinner for family and close friends will be served at 4 p.m. at the Blackfoot East Stake Center, Blackfoot. A son, Bishop Michael Virtue of the Blackfoot LDS Ninth Ward, will preside.
The family wishes to express their appreciation to those who helped care for Gayle at the Pocatello Regional Medical Center and the Portneuf Valley Hospital and Rehabilitation Center.
