Haskell (Sissy) O'Neal White Motes

Haskell “Sissy” O’Neal White Motes died peacefully on Sunday, June 1, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at her home in Logan, Utah, following her fight with neuroendocrine cancer.

Sissy was born and raised in Decatur, Alabama, to Ferris and Katy White. She was both athletic and smart. In high school, she was a talented gymnast before breaking her ankle in a balance beam fall cutting her season short. She continued to focus on her studies, and upon graduating from Austin High School in 1981, she moved across the country to attend college at Utah State University in Logan. There she met and married the love of her life, Roger Motes. They moved to Alabama and started a family which eventually took them back to Logan ... to be close to their grandchildren.

Sissy had a true zest for life. She was an accomplished martial artist earning multiple Alabama state championships. Later in life, she loved playing her guitar and singing, which brought joy to so many. And she loved the outdoors and adventures. Perhaps one of her favorite places was Blacksmith Fork Canyon in Utah where she enjoyed many adventures with her family.

Sissy also adored animals. Her last job was with Bridgerland Animal Hospital where she worked as a receptionist greeting everyone with her lovely southern accent and charm and making sure the animals received all the love and attention they deserved.

Sissy was loved by so many, and it’s no wonder. She was blessed with a gift of making everyone who had the pleasure of meeting her feel something special. She had the ability to make people smile and feel happy, to comfort them, and to make everyone feel welcomed and loved. Oh, what a special place she holds in so many hearts! She was such an incredible person and will be missed dearly by us all.

Our sweet, beautiful Sissy is now with the Lord. What a wonderful example of strength, will and faith she has shown us, not only during her battle with cancer but throughout her life. Sissy was not afraid of dying, only of leaving her loved ones. She does not want her loved ones to grieve but rather to rejoice for she is with the Lord. She is now pain free, and in the arms of Jesus and the loved ones who have passed before her. We know her daddy Ferris White Sr. (aka Pops or Poppy) was waiting for her with open arms. What a glorious reunion.

Sissy is survived by her beloved husband of 41 years Roger Motes; her two beautiful daughters Haley (Denny) Blad and Pamela Motes (and her sweet Honey Girl) of Logan; three amazing grandchildren Elsie Blad, Teagan Blad and Benji Blad (and their sweet Sluggy Boy); her mother Katy White of Colorado Springs, Colorado; her siblings Kitty (Alan) Engberg of Decatur, Rebecca (Ed) King of Hartselle, Alabama, Ferris (Jo) White of Somerville, Alabama, and Dottie (Eric Henderson) White of Colorado Springs.

A celebration of life will be held July 13, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Merlin Olsen Central Park South pavilion in Logan. There will also be a second celebration in Alabama this fall. More details to follow.