Obituary for Karen J. Gates
Karen J. Gates, 72, of Sanford, died Sunday afternoon, March 31, 2019 at the MidMichigan Medical Center. She was born April 12, 1946 in Manistique, daughter of the late Henry and Mary Ann (Junion) Harris. Moving to Midland at a young age, Karen attended Midland High School. She married Lawrence Gates on November 17, 1962 in Sanford, and he preceded her in death in 2017. She was the owner and operator of Mike’s Pizza for many years. She was also employed at Timbers restaurant and Child’s Feed. Karen enjoyed baking, gardening, riding motorcycles and just being outside in nature. Her true passion in life was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Karen is survived by her son Tony Gates of Sanford; grandchildren, Anthony M. (Amy) Gates of Midland and Jessica L. (Steve) Sinclair of Midland; great-grandchildren Brooke, Jaxson, Preston, Braxton, Tayra, Taven and Landon. Also by her brother Bob (Shirley) Harris and sister, Lean Selbe. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Jim Gates in 2015 and brothers Jim Harris and Chuck Harris.
Memorial services for Karen will take place 11 a.m. Saturday, April 13, 2019 from Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Chapel. Family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday morning from 10 a.m. until time of the service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the family of Karen Gates.
To plant a tree in memory of Karen J. Gates, please visit our Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
Saturday
13
Apr
10:00 AM
- 11:00 AM
Ware-Smith-Woolever Midland Chapel
1200 West Wheeler Street
Midland, MI 48640
Service
Saturday
13
Apr
11:00 AM
Ware-Smith-Woolever Midland Chapel
1200 West Wheeler Street
Midland, MI 48640
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