Funeral service for Virginia Anne Gates, age 90, of Decatur will be Saturday, June 28, 2014, at 2 p.m. at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. Toby Mueller officiating and Shelton Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in Roselawn Cemetery.
Mrs. Gates, beloved wife of Billie J. Gates (d-2009) for over 66 years, died Tuesday, June 24, 2014, at Decatur Morgan Hospital. She was born February 20, 1924, in Litchfield, IL, to Thomas Jefferson Telfer and Gladys Chamberlain Telfer.
She was in the first group of women to learn how to run the IBM system during World War II. Active member of the Order of the Eastern Star over 70 years. Served her church ministries, including elder. She loved cooking and enjoyed sewing for her family. Worked for Alford & McKenzie C.P.A., and gave back to her community as a poll worker.
She was the loving mother of James E. Gates (d-2010), Thomas W. Gates (Nellie) and Dianne G. Hart (Thomas) and the adored grandmother of William M. Walker. She is also survived by one daughter-in-law, Lila Gates.
Flowers are welcome, or memorial donations may be made to St. Andrew Presbyterian Church.
