Margaret Mary Gates, 95 of Coldwater passed away
Monday, September 16 , 2019 at Drews Place of Coldwater
II.
In following Margaret’s wishes, cremation has taken
place and a burial at Oak Grove will happen at a later date. The family was
cared for by Dutcher Funeral Home of Coldwater.
Margaret was born March 31, 1924 to Jacob and Mary
(Brown) Rigg in Girard Township. After graduation from Tekonsha High School, she
stayed in the Coldwater area her entire life. On October 21, 1950 she married
the love of her life, William D. “Doug” Gates in Angola. He preceded her in
death on June 28, 1998. Margaret worked part-time as a book keeper in the
family accounting business, Gates Accounting and also Federal Mogul, but mainly
she worked hard at raising her family.
Earlier in life Margaret was active with the American
Legion Auxiliary, the Blue Bird & Camp Fire Girls as a leader, as well as
the March of Dimes. She was a room mother at Lincoln and Edison Elementary
Schools for many years. Margaret enjoyed gardening, sewing, and playing cards,
mainly euchre. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed family visits as she
always prepared a big meal. Margaret could always be counted on to provide a
casserole or volunteer in times of community crisis as with heading up the
clothing drive for victims of the Palm Sunday tornados in 1965. Margaret’s true
joy in life was spending time with family and friends.
Margaret is survived by her children Deborah (Mike
Rieger) Gates of Durham, NC, Cam (David) Williams of Defiance, OH, and Beth
(Charles) Dick of Muskegon; her sister Helen Brott of Marshall; her
grandchildren Sarah Dick, Andrew Maxey, and Nicole Dowswell; her great
grandchildren Skyler and Jackson; and many nieces & nephews.
She was
preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 48 years Doug Gates; her
siblings Remus Rigg, Sr., Virgil Rigg, Velma Shumway, Ralph Rigg, Ardella
Mundy, Edith Beck, and John Rigg.
Memorials may be directed to Drews Place Activities
Fund.
www.dutcherfh.com
