Mary Ellen Gates

A shining light in our family has left us to join her loving husband on Friday, June 13, 2014. Mary Ellen Gates was born Mary Ellen Yates to Atmer English Yates and Mary Anna Hardy Yates on March 13, 1926. in Fadonia, Kansas. She married Walter Henry Gates on August 4, 1945 in Oklahoma City, Okla. They welcomed into this life four sons, Tom, Jerry, Steve, and Mike. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to everyone who knew her. She could be seen many times walking her loved poodles around the neighborhood. She enjoyed traveling to wherever Walter had dreamed of. A list which included such places as the South Pacific, Europe, New Zealand, Australia, Central America and throughout North America. After residing in Okla., Wyo. Climax, CO., and Leadville, CO, they finally settled in Ft. Collins. Mary Ellen succumbed to Alzheimer's and was a resident of Sterling House in Ft. Collins for many years. It was during this time that her husband Walter passed away in 2009 at their home. Although a difficult time for her, she continued with her daily walks, weekly exercise classes, outings with family to the library, hair appointments, and eating out. Cheeseburgers, chocolate shakes, Hershey bars, and reading books were among the top of her favorite list. She is survived by her, son Tom and wife Cathy, son Jerry and wife Bonnie; four grandchildren, Trina, Jeff, Jason, and Lindsay; two step- grandchildren, Jonathan and Jennifer; four great- grandchildren, one step-great -grandchild, and many valued extended family and friends. Mary Ellen was loved by so many people, she will always be remembered in the many pictures and stories we will tell. We would like to thank the many staff members at Sterling House for her excellent care and support. Thank you also to all the hospice workers for being there. A memorial service will be held Thursday, 10:00 a.m. at Bohlender Funeral Chapel. A private interment will be at Grandview Cemetery.