Jessica Lynne Cook Gates

Jessica Lynne Cook Gates, age 27, slipped quietly from mortality on December 13, 2003 in Logan, Utah. The second child of Vaughn and Sandra Cook, she was born on a snowy afternoon, November 7, 1976 in Anchorage, Alaska. She moved with her family to Smithfield in 1984. She attended school in Smithfield and Richmond, graduating from Sky View High School in 1995. Jessica continued her education at the University of Utah with a major in music composition. Jessica married Jeremy Gates in the Logan LDS Temple in March, 1997. She bore two sweet daughters, Julia Elizabeth and Maia Felicity, who were, and still are, the loves of her life. She and Jeremy were later divorced. Jessica was a multi-talented individual. She developed a passion for music as a toddler, and continued to develop as a fine musician throughout her life. She became accomplished in voice, piano, and oboe. Music filled her heart and soul and often found expression in her compositions. Her first attempt at composing was an exquisite piece for piano, cello, and oboe when she was 13. It won 2nd place in national competition. Jessica also wrote beautiful prose and poetry. Probably her greatest gift was her ability to touch the hearts and lives of those around her. She was a warm and loving individual. Jessica was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Her knowledge and testimony were driving forces throughout her life. Those who know and love Jessica thank God each day for her presence in their lives. Jessica is survived by her daughters, Julia and Maia; her parents, Vaughn and Sandi Cook; her brothers and sisters, Michael and Margaret Alva Cook, Jeremy and Lyndsay Nielsen Cook, Adam Cook, and Farrell and Rachel Cook Pickering; her maternal grandmother, Margaret Ransier; her paternal grandmother, Carol Anderegg; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and nephews who love her very much. She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Emerson Ransier and Cecil Cook, an uncle, Terry Ransier, and her cousin, Kris Rigby. Visitors may greet Jessica?s family at a viewing, which will be held at the Nelson Funeral Home, 85 South Main, Smithfield on Thursday evening, December 18 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 12 noon Friday, December 19, 2003 at the Smithfield 1st Ward Building, 175 South 100 West, Smithfield. A viewing will also be held at the church one hour prior to services from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Bishop Lance Lawson will preside. Burial will be in the Smithfield City Cemetery. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com .