GATES, Dorothy June 1933-2005

GATES BOND ROTTINK MELUGIN DEAN KEITH BENNINGTON HUFFMAN

Posted By: Chris Tonn (email)
Date: 12/14/2005 at 19:48:24

[Mason City Globe Gazette March 2005]

MASON CITY, IOWA - Dorothy J. Gates, 71, of 714 N. Tyler Ave., Mason City, died late Wednesday morning (March 23, 2005) at Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa in Mason City.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 Second St. S.E. in Mason City with the Rev. Jim Stiles officiating. Inurnment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City.

The family will greet relatives and friends from10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Those wishing to extend memorials or an expression of sympathy may direct them to the American Heart Association or the charity of the donor's choice.

Dorothy J. Gates was born June 10, 1933, in Nashua, the daughter of Robert H. and Neva (Rottink) Bond. Dorothy attended school in Nashua and graduated from the Nashua High School in 1951.

On Oct. 22, 1960, Dorothy was united in marriage to D. Blaine Gates in Nashua. Following their marriage, the couple lived in Nashua and Indianola until they made their home in Mason City in 1967.

Dorothy was a devoted wife and homemaker. She took great pride in nurturing her children and grandchildren. She was faithful in celebrating all holidays with her family, making each one of them feel unconditionally and equally loved in her own unique way. Dorothy and her husband, Blaine, were always together and enjoyed entertaining family and friends.

She enjoyed quilting, working with cross stitch and genealogy. Dorothy shared special moments in being a part of the "family" vacations, especially trips to Wisconsin in the fall of the year with the colors of the leaves changing, and buying a variety of apples. Her family recalls that she was great navigator in those travels. Dorothy was a former Girl Scout leader in Mason City. Dorothy always strived for excellence in being in-formed, learning and the education of her children and those around her.

Grateful for having had the privilege of sharing in Dorothy's life are her husband of 44 years, D. Blaine Gates of Mason City; her children David (Kathleen) Gates of Prairieville, La., and Jennifer (John) Bennington of Columbus, Neb.; five grandchildren: Brian Gates, Jacob Bennington, Megan Gates, Claire Bennington and Cameron Bennington; and one sister, Shirley (Garth) Huffman, of Cedar Falls. Other survivors include five nieces and friends left to cherish her memory.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents and an infant son, Douglas Gates.

Condolences, stories or thoughts may be sent to the family in the care of Fullerton Funeral Home on line at www.fullertonfh.com .

Fullerton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, (641) 423-8676.