Gates, Sarah L. 1840-1931

GATES, CLEVELAND, SEELEY, CURFMAN, PATTERSON

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 12/19/2011 at 10:11:30

The Grinnell (IA) Herald; Dec. 8, 1931

OBITUARY OF MRS. S.E. GATES

Sarah L. Cleveland was born in North Bay, N.Y., Oct. 23, 1840, and passed away at the home of her daughter, Wednesday morning, Dec. 2, 1931, at 8 o'clock after an illness of only a few days.

Her early life was spent in New York state where she became a teacher, which calling she followed for several years. On Sept. 11, 1861, she was united in marriage to Samuel E. Gates. They continued to reside in New York until the year 1866, when they came to Iowa to establish their home. Four children were born to them, an infant son who passed away after only a few hours, Howard C. of Ladora, Elmer D. of Atascadero, and Mrs. M.L. Seeley of Rockwell City, Iowa. As the children grew older the advantages of educational opportunities beckoned the family to Grinnell, where they took up their residence in 1887. They united with the First Congregational church soon after moving to Grinnell, where Mr. Gates was made a deacon, an office he held nearly 30 years. As health failed he was made deacon emeritus which position he still held at the time of his death in 1917. Mrs. Gates still retained her membership here and was a faithful attendant through all the years. Three years ago she gave up her home at the solicitation of her children and has spent the time among them since. Her interest in life and her remarkable activity have made her an outstanding figure and a constant marvel to her many friends.

She leaves besides her children, four grandchildren, Mrs. Muriel Gates Curfman of Ladora, Harry S. Gates of Saskatchewan, Canada, Howard and Paul Seeley of Rockwell City and Winifred Gates Patterson, who passed to the great beyond five years ago. Besides these are three great-grandchildren, Harriett Ruth Gates, Virginia and Ramon Patterson.

Her life closed as she had lived it, firm in the faith which has sustained her through all the years.

Funeral services were held in Grinnell Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock. Burial in Hazelwood.