Gayle Atkinson Lowe

FRANKLIN, IDAHO - - - GAYLE LOWE

FRANKLIN- Gayle Atkinson Lowe, 87, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born on Dec. 14, 1922,in Franklin, Idaho, the third of nine children born to Lester LeRoy and Laura Nash Atkinson.

She was raised in Franklin and graduated from Franklin High School. During World War II, she contributed to the war effort by working at Remington Arms in Salt Lake City. She next worked at Douglas Aircraft in California, being one of the original "Rosie-the-Riveters".

When the war was over, she returned to Franklin and married Harley Cartwright Lowe, who had just returned from serving in the Philippines in the US Army. They were married on May 28, 1946. The marriage was later solemnized in the Logan LDS Temple. They were self-employed in the mink business working side by side until Harley passed away. Their six children were given many opportunities to learn responsibility and good work ethics while growing up on the ranch.

In 1972, she started to work at the Logan Regional Hospital as a CNA. She worked there for twenty years and with Hospice for four years. She also worked a few hours each week at the Preston Carnegie Library. She was a member of the LDS Church and had been active in the Daughters of Utah Pioneers being a member of the Ellen Wright Camp enjoying serving in various positions. She also belonged to the Franklin Literary Arts, a ladies club in Franklin.

She loved to garden and her beautiful yard was admired by many. She loved the outdoors and gong to her son's cabin in Maple Creek. She enjoyed hiking and could hike longer and faster than many younger family members. Her favorite hike was to Bloomington Lake or the spring at Willow Flat. Since Harley's death 33 years ago, she has literally been the "glue" that held her extended family together. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by four daughters and two sons, Kristine (Douglas) Gamble of Preston; Sherrie (Dale) Christensen of Logan; Jeffrey (Jerri) Lowe of Franklin; Dwight Lowe of Franklin; Michelle (Steven) Parry of Logan; Trudie (Bret) Pond of Honeyville, Utah; twenty-five grandchildren; thirty-eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Juantelle Nelson of McCammon, Idaho; one brother, Brenton (Lois) Atkinson of Franklin; and sisters-in-law, Marilyn Atkinson and June Lowe Biggs and a brother-in-law, Robert Gene Lowe. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and by six siblings.

The family would like to thank Access Hospice for the wonderful care and compassion given to their mother. Also thanks to Randy, Thelma, Liz, Chelsie, MaRee and Carma.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2010 at noon in the Franklin Stake Center with Bishop Randy Sharp conducting. Friends may call Monday from 6-7:30 p.m. at the stake center and Tuesday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. also at the stake center. Interment will be in the Franklin Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.webbmortuary.com