Doris Gates

Doris Gates, 89 passed away on Monday, July 18, 2022 in Sweetwater, Tx.

Doris was born on December 13, 1932 in Snyder, Tx. to Roy & Mabel Jones. She was the youngest of 8 children born to Roy & Mabel. After graduating in 1951, Doris attended Draughn's Business College in Abilene, Tx. In 1953 Doris would meet the love of her life, Douglas Gates. Doris & Doug were married on Easter Sunday, April 18, 1954. Their family would soon grow to include 3 children, Melinda, Margaret and Steve. Doris had a long career in business starting as a secretary to Allen Baird at Mrs. Baird's Bakery in Abilene. She also worked as a bookkeeper at Sears in Abilene and Denton, Tx. After moving to Sweetwater in 1975, she began working at First National Bank as an executive secretary. After retiring Doris & Doug traveled the U.S. in their RV. Their favorite place to travel was the East Coast.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Douglas Gates in 2021, her parents Roy & Mabel Jones; brothers Roy (Bud) Jones & Reuben Jones; sisters Louise Pagan, Nina Hunter, Maxyene Kelch and Ann Cooper.

Survivors: sister, Darlene Leach; daughters, Melinda Gayler and husband Don, Margaret Gates; son, Steve Gates and wife Mitzi; grandchildren, Shelley Gayler-Smith, Austin Hendricks, Chelsie Back and Liberty Gates; great-grandchildren Owen Hendricks, Sadie and Rylie Back; numerous nieces and nephews, family and friends.

~Her children rise up and call her blessed. Proverbs 31:28~

Visitation will be held on Friday July 22, 2022, from 6:00pm-8:00pm at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 US Hwy 277 South, Abilene, Tx. Funeral Services will be held at Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday July 23, 2022, at 10:00am. Interment will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park.

Donations in Doris memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation and the Ben Richey Boys Ranch.