Noella Dawn Tate
December 25, 1940 - January 30, 2026
Noella Dawn Tate was born on Christmas morning, December 25, 1940, to Kenneth R. and Mabel A. Ellison Mathias, in Winnemucca, Nevada, and left this earthly life on January 30, 2026.
In 1952, her family moved to Salt Lake City, where she later met the love of her life, Jim Tate. They were married on October 14, 1961, and shared more than 60 wonderful years of marriage.
Noella was fiercely independent, strong-willed, and deeply loved. She will be remembered for her extraordinary passion for service, her gift for bringing people together, and her fearless determination in the face of every challenge. She was one of the first open-heart surgery patients in Utah and later battled Stage IV neuroendocrine cancer with relentless courage for more than three years.
Those who knew Noella can attest that she was endlessly devoted to putting the needs of others before her own. Whatever she committed to, she was always “all in.”
She loved gathering family and friends whether around a barbecue, a shared meal, or a good conversation over wine. Family meant everything to Noella, and friends often became family. She was an avid sports fan who passionately supported the Utah Jazz, the Utah Hockey Club, and University of Utah athletics. Go Utes! She also excelled as both a bowler and a golfer. She and Jim each proudly scored a hole-in-one.
Noella was incredibly proud of her three grandchildren, Ryan, Alex, and Madeleine, and their academic accomplishments. She deeply loved her grand dog, Lily, who spent many days by her side as her support dog. Lily still cries.
At home, Noella expressed love through her many talents. She was a gifted cook and baker, famous for her beloved “Noleo” cookies, “mushy spuds,” and the legendary “Mushroom Company Carrot Cake”, recipes that became treasured family traditions. She was also a talented seamstress and avid gardener, finding joy in creating with her hands and nurturing life around her.
A very special and heartfelt thank you goes to the true superhero in our family, Randy’s wife, Mary. Mary attended countless medical appointments, managed medications, and lovingly cared for Noella day in and day out for more than three years. Words cannot fully express our gratitude for Mary’s dedication, compassion, and unwavering support.
Noella was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Tate. She is survived by her sons Randy (Mary) and Tim, her grandchildren Ryan, Alex, and Madeleine, and her beloved grand dog, Lily, who will forever carry her spirit with them.
The family extends sincere gratitude to the incredible team at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, especially Nicole Orgain and Nidhi Sharma, for their exceptional care, compassion, and expertise over the years.
Please join us for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East Salt Lake City, UT 84106 from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Guests are encouraged to park and enter on the north side of the building.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Noella’s honor.
In Loving Memory
Miss you soo much, noella. You were our tv guide for games, and our cheerleader for bowling. Oh and when the jazz played we texted endlessly. BTW jazz won a game and made a good trade this week. You've left a big, big hole, noella. We hope you finally feel good, dear friend. Blessings to Mary, your kids and grandkids. And to lily, the best mannered dog I've ever known. Love love love
My heart is broken and will miss aunt Noella more than you know. We are so blessed to have had her in our lives for all these years. She had such a great attitude in life and dealt with whatever happened with such grace. I loved her “tomorrow will be a better day “ attitude that kept her going! Thanks for loving and taking care of my crazy Dugan family all these years Noella. You made life so much better for all of us and we will cherish all the great times we had. Rest in peace until we meet again. I will love you forever ❤️
Randy, Mary, Tim, grandkids, and family, Remember, don't say goodbye; we say, "Till we meet again". How amazing that day will be, but not yet. She would not want that. I love your mom so very much, and I love you too. I know that she is in really good company in heaven. In a dream, I saw her laughing with Mert. I wish that I were there to hug you all but know I love you so much too. Every time now when I hear thunder, I will think of all of them up to something probably not allowed, laughing, perhaps in a garden. Smile for her; she feels good now and is with yours and my dad, uncle Bob, aunt Anne, Paul, and all of them. I can only imagine the joy he must feel. God willing, we'll see her again, just not yet. Always in my heart, all of you, Carla
We were neighbors for many years. Noella and family were such a special family to share those Grade school, Jr High school years with neighborhood visits over the fence and kids in the street on bikes. The Tate family made those years more special. Randy and Tim shared friendship. Randy passed away 12/26/24 at age 60 from a cardiac arrest. Tim sent us condolences through Starks, which meant so much. Our best wishes to the family and friends of Noella & Jim. Sincerely, Randy & sister Kelly (lives in PR) and Max (deceased) and Darla Lowder; now Darla Lowder Roberts.
Randy & Mary, Tim, We send our love, prayers and sympathy your way. We are sorry that we cannot be in Utah during this time. Jim and Noella will always hold a special place in my heart. Your mom made her home my home in SLC. Noella was a super fun, loving and caring aunt. What a blessing she was in my life, even from a long distance to her Texas family. I know she will be dearly missed. Please know we are with you in spirit during this time of grief. Love, hugs and tears from Texas. - Danny "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed" (Psalms 34:18)
In Loving Memory
