Lela Gates

MOHALL Lela S. Gates, 85, of Mohall, died Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009, at a Minot hospital.

She was born Nov. 21, 1923, in Lansford to George and Christine (Rikansrud) Blowers. She was raised in Lansford and graduated from Lansford High School in 1942. She attended a business school in Minot for one year.

She married Robert Gates in Plentywood, Mont., in 1943. They lived near Loraine and farmed and operated R.B. Gates Manufacturing, a farm implement manufacturing business. They operated that business for many years prior to retiring and moving to Mohall. Robert died May 14, 1992. Lela made and sewed dolls and quilts after Bob passed away.

Lela was a member of St. Jerome Catholic Church, Mohall, and the Hurley Homemakers Club. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, doll making and spending winters in Hawaii. She travelled many times to Thailand and the Philippines and has a family of God there who remember her.

Family: children, Joan Gates, Mohall, Mick (Pat) Gates, Lansford, Glenn Gates, Mohall, Donna Gates, Anoka, Minn., Penny Gates Ambler, Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii; 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Lillian (Harley) Davis, Bremerton, Wash.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Lela was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and sister, Celia Mattern.

Funeral: Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Jerome Catholic Church, Mohall.

Prayer service: Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 7 p.m. at the church.

Visitation: Wednesday from 2 to 5 p.m. at Brose Funeral Home, Mohall. Friends may also sign the online guestbook at (www.brosefuneralhome.com).