Velma Ruth Gates

Velma Ruth Gates, 79, of Mexico, died at 6:02 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008, at Audrain Medical Center in Mexico.

Funeral services will be held Friday at 12:30 p.m. at Pickering Funeral Home with Rev. Wesley Pulis officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 10:30 until service time at the funeral home. Burial will be in New Hope Cemetery in Thompson.

Mrs. Gates was born Aug. 28, 1928 in Mexico, daughter of Frances Lee Frank and Elsie Irene (Norman) Dollens.

Survivors include three sons, Kenneth Gates and wife Eve, Mexico, Donald Gates and wife Debra, Pleasant Prairie, Wis., and John Gates, Mexico; a daughter Sharon McConniel and husband, Shane, Sebring, Fla.; two sisters, Bettie Rivers and Elsie Gifford, both of Thompson; 7 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by 2 sons, Ronald and Dennis; 4 brothers, Donald, John, Arthur, and Raymond; 3 sisters, Anna Belle, Mary and Retta Mae; and 4 grandchildren.

Velma Ruth was a member of New Hope Baptist Church in Thompson; she was actively involved in most all the church activities and she loved helping with Vacation Bible School each year. She attended the Mexico Senior Center regularly and hardly ever missed a Tuesday playing cards. She enjoyed quilting, and raising catfish. Her home was open to everyone and was always full of the neighborhood kids. She had even served as a foster mother years ago. Most recently she most enjoyed spending time with family, especially with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be given to the New Hope Cemetery Association. They may be sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265.