On the evening of April 8, 2020, Kristie Neilson Goates passed away in Kentwood, Michigan, from complications from advanced Alzheimer disease. 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 pursuing a degree in English at Brigham Young University, where she met her husband A. Wayne Goates. They were married on June 1, 1973, and spent time living in Idaho, Oregon, and Michigan. She is survived by her husband; mother Marjorie Neilson; daughters Bryn (Zachary) Grisham and Bree (Collin) Goates; siblings