Nancy L. Gates, 84, of Girard Township passed away Monday, September 21, 2026 at her home surrounded by family.
A funeral service celebrating Nancy’s life will take place at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, September 24, 2026 at Lighthouse Funeral & Cremation, 1276 Tate Trail, Union City, MI. Pastor Jennifer Feilden of the Girard United Methodist Church will officiate. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Union City.
Visitation will be held Thursday, two hours before the service, starting 11:00 a.m., also at the Lighthouse.
Nancy was born November 28, 1941 to Frank and Naomi (Gorsline) Smith in Burlington, Michigan. September 8, 1967, she married Carl Gates in Jonesville. He preceded her in death October 15, 1992.
She enjoyed crafts, quilting, camping and riding motorcycles. Nancy was the Girard neighborhood babysitter for many years, watching as many as 21 kids at one time.
Surviving Nancy are her children, Rhonda (John) Howard of Coldwater and Russell (Toni) Gates of Coldwater; grandchildren, Rodney (Cendall) Jeffries, Jr., LeAnn Jeffries, Brandon Gates and Kayla Gates; great-grandchildren, Austin, Kaylyn, Connor, Zachary, Sasha and Carlie; great-great grandchildren, Zakai, Holden, Hayes and Maverick; and her sister Mary Lou Dodson.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; son Randy Gates; sisters Harriett Wagner, Janet Fairchild and Patty Fairchild.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Girard United Methodist Church, 990 Marshall Rd, Coldwater, MI 49036.
Please visit www.lighthousefuneral.com to share memories, pictures and videos with the family.
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