Virginia L. Gates, 89, of Evansville, passed away Friday, December 4, 2020 with family at her side, at Gateway Hospital. She was born February 22, 1931, to the late Lyle and Frieda (Walther) Steinmetz.
Virginia, would say she grew up a farm girl, who admitted to the occasional escape amid her daily chores around the farm preferring instead to ride her horse, bare back and barefoot through the fields holding only it’s mane for control over her galloping companion. Her desire for adventure had begun developing into nearly fearless courage. She remained ever curious for the next adventure, from driving motor cycles, or riding jet skis with an ever-constant whisper in the driver’s ear, “can we go faster”? She was even seen riding an adrenaline inducing zip line adventure just a few years ago. Her chores performed with a forged work ethic while working her ancestral lands. At 16 she married her true love, Jack Gates who together toiled tirelessly to forge a new family together. Our fearless farm girl grew into a dedicated mother and family matriarch whose courage, tenacious work ethic and her deeply ingrained values of practicality proved invaluable as her family grew. She worked at home and helped out by taking in boarders, or working rural paper routes. After the last of her 4 sons were in school, she needed a new challenge to take on, so she got a full-time job with Windsor plastics where she worked for several years until her and Jack decided to fly out of the employee nest to start their own business. Together they formed and managed American Pallet & American Warehousing well past most retirement ages. Not content in her integral support roll, she branched out to start her own American Handy Maids for several years. Our matriarch's reign was at times challenged by personal obstacles, hardships and family tragedies. In these times Virginia became a brilliant beacon a guiding star for her family guiding them through countless perils with steadfast dedication and resolute determination. Virginia will be remembered by all who she touched. She shined as a mother and shall forever shine on us and continue to guide her family for generations to come.
Virginia was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Jack H. Gates in 2014; son, Sam in 2013; grandson, Todd, and 2 siblings.
She is survived by her sons, Daniel, Dennis (Shelley) and Thomas Gates; grandchildren, Kristin, Matthew, Ashley, Brittney, Jeffrey, Ryan, and Jayden; great grandchildren, Pantarah, Todd, Tyler, Porsche, Perseus, Kavun, Karley, Gage, and Gunner; special companions Wolfie and Foxy; many special nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express their deep gratitude to Paula, Theresa, Danielle, Specialty Health Care, Dr. Alex Dela Llana and Michelle for the wonderful care they provided.
A Private funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at Alexander West Chapel with live streaming at www.facebook.com/FuneralStreamUSA, beginning at 12:55 p.m. A Private visitation will be held 11:00 a.m. until service time. The family asks that you wear masks and practice social distancing.
Memorial contributions may be made to Jack Henry Gates Memorial Laundromat.
Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.
