Wesley Louis Yates

(March 7, 1966 - June 22, 2012)

Wesley Louis Yates of Rupert, Idaho died Friday, June 22, 2012. He was 46.

Wesley was born March 7, 1966, to Ralph and Alta (Dolly) Yates in Columbus, Mont. He joined two brothers and two sisters in their family. He grew up in Belfry, Mont., and Challis, Salmon and Riggins, Idaho where he graduated with the class of 1984. He was raised on ranches and learned the value of hard work and a job well done. He loved the outdoors, spending time in the mountains and doing a lot of fishing. He enjoyed working in the woods, cutting trees for firewood and making log beds, tables, coat racks and picture frames. He recently claimed that “he was born with a chainsaw in his hand.”

While living in Alaska in 1985 he met his future wife. Wesley and Dana were married on March 20, 1988 in Riggins, Idaho. A son Tyler joined the family in 1991 and another son Wyatt was born in 1993. The family was sealed in the Idaho Falls, Idaho Temple in 1995. A daughter Savannah completed the family in 1998. Wesley and his family lived in Frannie for 15 years, where he was a bus driver for the schools. He enjoyed going on many school trips with his kids. He then lived in Arkansas for two years, before the opportunity came to return to Idaho, to work at the Idaho Youth Ranch in Rupert. Wesley was a good man, kind hearted and served his family and others, often putting himself secondary.

Wesley is survived by his wife Dana of Rupert; sons Tyler of Cody and Wyatt of Rupert; daughter Savannah of Rupert and by all of “his” kids at the Idaho Youth Ranch; parents, Ralph and Alta (Dolly) Yates of Powell; brothers Joe (Janine) of Miles City, Mont., Scott (Marianne) of Burley, Idaho; sisters Linda of Deaver, and Lena (Kenny) Seng of Spanish Fork, Utah., many nieces, nephews and several great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, brother Yancey Yates, nephew Trinity Tilley and best friend Rick Elton.

Any condolences can be sent to the family at 1275 North 400 East Rupert, Idaho 83350 or dyates35@ymail.com

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at the Acequia LDS Church. Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 29 at Riggins Cemetery in Riggins, Idaho. Services are under the direction of Hansen Mortuary.