Grace E. Gates

Grace E. Gates, 99, of New Philadelphia passed away on Saturday, November 19, 2011 following an extended illness.

Born on July 31, 1912 in Elm Grove, West Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Elmer L. and Elizabeth Pearl Scott Noland. On July 3, 1931, she married Mancel Gates, who preceded her in death on October 8, 1992. In addition to her parents and husband, she preceded in death by her step-mother; Martha Noland; son, Danny Gates; two daughters, Sandy and Barbara Gates; and a half sister, Dorothy McCutcheon.

Grace had a soft heart for animals, especially dogs. She raised Pekingese's for many years. She enjoyed singing and playing music at many local churches.

Grace was a homemaker and spent most of her time taking care of her children. Two of her children suffered from Friedreich's Ataxia which sadly took their lives at a young age. As a result, she was the originator of the Danny Gates Invalid Club, which she received the Veteran of Foreign Wars Community Service Award.

She leaves behind her son; Kent Gates of New Philadelphia; daughter, Janet (Dale) Dummermuth of New Philadelphia; half sister, Betty McIlwain of Kentucky; five grandchildren, Mark (Judi) Dummermuth of New Philadelphia, Vicki (Tim) Miller of New Philadelphia, Mike (Joanne) Dummermuth of Columbus, Matt (Shannon) Dummermuth of New Philadelphia, and Todd (Shila) Dummermuth of New Philadelphia; along with eight great grandchildren, and three great great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Grace's life will take place at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in New Philadelphia on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 1:00 pm with Rev. Robert Jones officiating. Burial will follow the service at Evergreen Burial Park in New Philadelphia. Friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Wednesday one hour prior to the service.

Those unable to attend, or who would like to share a fond memory of Grace, may do so by visiting the "Obituaries & Flowers" link on the funeral home's website.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 4635 Richmond Rd #103, Cleveland, Ohio 44128.
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