“Papa” Ronald Dean Gates went peacefully home to his Heavenly Father on the morning of December 11th following an extended illness.

Ron was born on January 14, 1942 to Loren and Florence (Yourdan) Gates in Fruita, Colorado. He was the youngest of ten children. His family moved to Ephrata in 1946 where he was raised and graduated from high school in 1961.

After high school Ron served honorably in the US Navy from 1961-1965 aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard. While on leave he met the love of his life, Patty Sue Todd, in California on Thanksgiving weekend of 1964. They married on September 11, 1965 and raised three children. While in California, Ron graduated from a two year college and technical school.

Ron and Pat returned to Washington in 1969 to be near his family. Ron called Quincy his home where he raised his family, was a member of the Free Methodist Church, and eventually retired from a 35 year career at Lamb Weston in 2005.

Following retirement, Ron and Pat embarked on a three month cross-country adventure, stopping to visit with family throughout the states. Ron thoroughly enjoyed traveling as well as hunting, fishing, camping, and creating works of art with wood and various metals. His greatest love by far was his family.

Ron is survived by his wife of 51 years, Patty Sue, older brother Claude and wife Thelma, sister Colleen, son David and wife Sandy, son Dan and wife Jeannie, daughter Rhonda, grandchildren Whitney, Christopher, Laura, Ryann, Cassidee, Aurorah, Riley, Zac, Jacob, Christian, Kaitlin, Lauren, and great grandchildren AJ, Jaxon, Matty, Meilei, Faith, Tanner, Chelsea, Finn, Addrielle, Mason, and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at the Free Methodist Church, 301 I Street SW, Quincy, WA. Please join the family following the service for a meal in the church fellowship hall.

Please leave a memory for the family or sign their online guestbook at www.scharbachs.com.
Scharbach's Columbia Funeral Chapel, Quincy, WA is assisting the family with arrangements.

Affiliations

US Navy