Wanda Earlene Gates

July 31, 1929 - June 12, 2021

Wanda Earlene Gates passed away early in the morning on June 12, 2021, at the age of 91. Wanda was born in Hitchcock, OK to Ira and Sophie Garriott. She was the youngest of 6 children. Having 3 older brothers and 2 older sisters. All of them were very close, spending as much time together as possible. Wanda married the love of her life, Ervin Gates, on December 10, 1947, after only 3 weeks of dating. They were married for 67 years until Ervin’s passing. They had one son, Roger, who was born in 1948. She loved doing cross stich and ceramics until her eyesight go to be to bad for her to continue, but she left behind many pieces that are beloved by her family. Wanda kept her children in the home, caring for them, for many years until going to work for Sunny Lane United Methodist Daycare as a teacher until she retired. Wanda was deeply dedicated to her church. She spent many, many hours volunteering either at the service desk or cooking meals for funerals and weddings. She is preceded in death by her parents Ira and Sophie Garriott; husband Ervin Levi Gates; son Roger Dale Gates; daughter-in-law Gail Lynn Gates; her 3 older brothers and 2 older sisters. Wanda is survived by her grandchildren Teri and Shane North of Wagoner, Rachael and Jimmy Hunter of Wagoner, Jason and Sara Gates of Haskell, Daniel and Amy Gates of Wagoner; great-grandchildren Colby and Amy North, Michael and Cassidy Palmer, Jimmy Ray Hunter III, Amber Rider and Jacob Oldaker, Cori and Colton Nail, Kyle and Harmony Hunter, Kaylee and Cody Rollins, Nicholas and Jimmie Jo Palmer, Austin Gates and Chelsea Owns; 10 great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Wanda had a strong love for her family. She was so proud of them all and couldn’t ask for anything better.