Emily Gayle Erickson Izatt

1937-2018

Gayle passed away from pancreatic cancer on her 81st birthday, February 16, 2018 at her home in Freedom, Wyoming surrounded by her family. She was born on February 16, 1937 in Fairview, Wyoming to Emily Barrus and Clarence Henry Erickson. She lived in Fairview, Auburn, Osmond and Freedom. She grew up on a farm and helped milk cows when her brothers were participating in sports. She was a Pep Star and graduated from Star Valley High in 1955.

Keith Izatt saw her at the bowling alley and told his friend that she was the one he would marry. They finally met at stake conference and began dating. She traveled with Keith's parent to pick him up from the mission field. They married on December 15, 1955 in the Idaho Falls Temple. They lived in Freedom, Wyoming, and raised their family there, except for when they lived in North Salt Lake, Utah.

Gayle was a hard worker. As a teenager, she worked as a waitress at the Covey Cafe and as a cashier at the Highway Market. She was the postmaster in Auburn and Freedom post offices. She was always doing service for others. She helped take care of her Grandma Erickson, Keith's father, and her mother, Emily. When someone was sick or lost a loved one, mom would always make sure to take something to the home.

She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many organization including both ward and stake Young Women's presidency, Relief Society president and counselor, in the primary, Sunday School, ward librarian and various other stake and ward callings. She and Keith served in the Iowa Des Moines mission from 1999-2000.

She loved cooking, sewing, making quilts, camping and being with her family. She was very talented in writing readings for various events. Her Babe Ruth bars were always requested at family gatherings. Throughout her life she always maintained her sense of humor.

She is survived by her children: Wade (Lona), Marta Rae Diamond; Dana (Stephanie), Jill Hubbard, Jan (Bryan) Miller, and Blake (Kirsti); also 21 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren with 2 more to come. Brothers: Val, Kay (Delsa), Steve (Betty), and Doran (Debra) Erickson. She is preceded in death by her husband, Keith, parents, sister Carol, brother Verd, grandsons Kenny Izatt and Christopher Izatt, and son-in-law Barry V Diamond.

The family would like to thank her doctors and Access Home Care and Hospice for the loving manner in which they cared for Mom.

There will be a viewing at Schwab Funeral Chapel in Thayne, Wyoming on Friday, February 23, 2018 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. The funeral will be held at the Freedom LDS Chapel on Saturday, February 24 at 11 am with a viewing prior to the funeral service from 9:30-10:45 am. Burial will be in the Freedom Cemetery.