Mrs. Vera "Lou" Gates

Vera Louise “Lou” Gates, age 80, of Daniels, West Virginia passed away on Saturday, November 9, 2024. Born June 14,1944 in Beckley, she was the daughter of the late John Paul Richmond and Ruby Elizabeth Bennett Richmond.

Lou was a local artist and art instructor whose work was known throughout West Virginia. She attended Daniels Bible Church. She loved Shag dancing and, along with her husband L.A, was a member of a local group that would gather to dance. They also travelled the south and danced with other Shag clubs and associations. Lou's greatest joy was spending time with family. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and cheering them on at their various sporting events.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by L.A.'s parents Leslie and Rosie Gates.

Those left to cherish her memory include her loving husband L.A. Gates of Daniels, daughter Kellie Riffe Snyder (Wade) of Martinsburg, son Scott Riffe (Angie) of Grandview, son Jon Riffe (Kara) of Daniels, stepdaughter Kelli Gates Turner (Jake) of Highlands Ranch, CO, stepson Brian Gates of Daniels, grandchildren Nick Snyder (Keri) of Goose Creek, SC, Travis Snyder of Daniels, Haley Snyder of Shady Spring, Hollie Lusk (Colton) of OH, Christian Riffe of Grandview, Jared Riffe of Beaver, Ryan Riffe of Fairmont, step grandchildren, Caroline Turner of Littleton, CO, Cadey Turner of San Rafael, CA, Tavin Turner of Boulder, CO; great grandchildren Jack, Nate and Claire Snyder of Goose Creek, SC: Laura Snyder of Shady Spring, Adelynn and Alaina Lusk, and her brother Jerry Richmond (Sandy) of Daniels.

Funeral service will be at 12:00pm on Friday, November 15, 2024, at Blue Ridge Funeral home with Pastor Troy Rackliffe officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 10:30 am until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Beckley Art Group (600 Johnstown Road, Beckley, WV 25801 - phone 304 253 9226) in Lou's memory.