Phyllis Marie Gates

Phyllis Marie Gates, 87, passed away on Friday, January 12, 2018 at Parkside Manor nursing home in Stuart, Nebraska.

She was born November 3, 1930 on a farm near Kensington, Kansas to Phillip and Hulda (Dettmer) Long.  She was married to Boyd Gates on September 24, 1955 in Franklin, Nebraska.  They resided in Mankato, Kansas until Boyd’s death on March 20, 1981.

After Boyd’s death, Phyllis moved to Stanton, Nebraska to help care for her grandchildren.  She later worked as a caregiver to elderly women until her retirement. She then moved back to Mankato where she resided until moving to the nursing home.

Phyllis attended country school through 8th grade. Phyllis was a member of the Christian Church in Mankato.

She was preceded in death by her husband and parents, step-children Wilbur Gates and Neva Metzger, brothers Kenneth and Stanley, and sister Virginia Dix..

She is survived by her son Randy (Rhonda) Gates, grandchildren Adam (Heather) Gates and Ashley (Anton) Hekrdle, five great-grandchildren:  Gabe, Levi, Drew, Charleigh and Beau, sisters: Joy Hancock, Carol Gordine, Betty (Melvin) Zade, Marlene McCue, Sharon (Willie) Beckley, brothers:  Donald Long, Ronald Long, Darwin (Crystal) Long, along with numerous step-grandchildren, step-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service for Phyllis Marie Gates will be (was) held Monday, January 15, 2018, at 10:30 a.m., at the Christian Church, Mankato, Kansas, with Pastor Thaddeus Hinkle officiating.  Mrs. Pat Grout will be (was) the organist and Mr. Kenny Rhea, will be (was) the soloist.  The hymns will be (was) “The Old Rugged Cross” and “In the Garden.” Casket bearers will be (were): Dewaine Zade, Daniel Zade, Ronald Long, Dusty LaFrankie, Luke Long, and Jud Freeman.  Visitation will be (was) Sunday, January 14, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Melby Mortuary Chapel, Mankato, Kansas.  Interment will be (was) in the Jewell Cemetery, Jewell, Kansas, with a dove release by White Rock Doves.  The family suggests memorials to Christian Church, Mankato, Kansas.  Online condolences can be left at www.melbymortuary.com .  Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas, was in charge of local arrangements.