1950 - 2020
On the evening of April 8, 2020, Kristie Neilson Goates passed
away in Kentwood, Michigan from Alzheimer's.
She was born on October 26, 1950 to George E. and Marjorie (Anderson)
Neilson in Murray, Utah. She grew up in
Rupert, Idaho, graduating from Minico High School in June 1968, before
attending Brigham Young University where she met her husband A.Wayne
Goates.
They were married for time and all eternity on June 1, 1973, and lived in Idaho, Oregon, and Michigan. She is survived by her husband; mother; daughters-
Bryn (Zachary) Grisham and Bree (Collin Bradford) Goates; brothers - Erik, Jon
(Sherry), and Kjel (Kitti) Neilson; sisters - Karla (Nick) Boren, Lisa Neilson,
and Marta Neilson; and four grand children.
She blessed many lives with her enchanting smile and laugh. Alzheimer's qualified her to be among the very meek who will inherit the earth. The following link provides a chronological view of Kristie's life. The family would appreciate and welcome any comments or stories below which remember and honor her.
I loved Kristie. I really got to know her when she was my Laurel advisor. She was so warm and loving, accepting of all, and supportive of me and all the young women at what can be a hard time in life.
ReplyDeleteHeaven just welcomed a true angel.
-- Brenda Worthen
Kristie was one of my very favorite cousins. We didn't see the Neilsons nearly as often as I would have liked, but I loved when Kristie was around--she was hilarious! When I was about 14 and Kristie was 16, we both spent some time at Grandma Anderson's house in Salt Lake. Uncle Bob was engaged to Judy but he was gone for some National Guard training, so Judy, Kristie, and I got dressed up one night (back when people used to get dressed up to go out in Salt Lake) and dragged State Street in Judy's great old classic car (actually probably not that old at the time). Vivid memory of racing around trying to elude a car full of guys chasing us and Judy getting the car stuck in a ditch. We had a great time and I hated to go back to Kanab. I was so sorry when I learned Kristie had Alzheimer's. She was so much fun to be around. My own mother had Pick's disease (another form of dementia) and I know when she passed away there was sadness but also a relief to know her suffering was finished. My heart goes out to your family.
ReplyDeleteSusan, thank you. Kristie really loved her Fox cousins.
DeleteI love the Goates family and have so many fond memories of spending time with you all. Kristie and Wayne were both so clever and witty and clearly passed that humor on to your children. There were always lots of laughs involved with activities with the Goates.
ReplyDeleteHere are some of my more specific memories (excuse their randomness): I remember the old white house that you lived in in downtown Albany. For some reason my main memory associated with that house is that you guys taught me how to recycle. It was a lot more work back then (emptying and washing tin cans, removing both ends and the label, flattening the can). We didn’t do that at our house at that time, but I remember doing it at yours and to this day, I am a pretty consistent recycler.
I remember that Kristie introduced me to Anne of Green Gables (the Megan Follows version) when she was our beehive leader. I loved it so much and couldn’t wait to watch the next part the following week. It turned into a Robbins family favorite and I just introduced it to my kids during our quarantine time. I’m happy to report that they liked it, too.
When I look at the picture of that old historic home in downtown Albany, it brings tears to my eyes. You did such a beautiful job of restoring it and in my eyes, that home will always be the Goates family home.
I remember taking a road trip with your family to the northern Oregon coast. I’m thinking it was the Cannon Beach area. I can even picture the little house that we stayed in. Such a treat.
I remember being introduced to some good old fashioned board games at the Goates house. Some type of farming game? And maybe even a Barbie game? And always lots of laughs when playing them.
My final thoughts in remembering Kristie are that she was always so beautiful, kind and funny - such a joy to be around! She will be missed, but I am so grateful for the knowledge that she can be reunited with her dad and other loved ones who have passed.
Sending hugs and love to Wayne, Bryn, and Bree!
-Deyce Robbins Peterson
I met Kristie when she was my Laurel advisor. She was fun and loving, and we knew she really cared about us. Getting to know her as an adult enriched my life. I learned so much from her about friendship and living the gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm glad she was part of my life. Much love to Wayne, Bryn, and Bree.
ReplyDelete~Anne Green
Anne, your response is a fulfillment of Kristie's patriarchal blessing which I will attempt to message to you. Thank you!
DeleteI enjoyed getting to know Kristie and your daughters when I worked with them in Albany many years ago. I loved Kristie's sense of humor and smile. This is a mixed blessing for all of you as she is no longer suffering but of course the loss of her physical presence is difficult. Thank you for sharing the beautiful pictures. Wayne, your loyalty and commitment are inspiring. Say hello to your lovely daughters for me. Kim Meekins
ReplyDelete