Viola Ruth Gates

Viola Ruth Gates

Oct. 13, 1931 — Oct. 21, 2007

MONTROSE — Viola Ruth Gates, 76, passed on peacefully on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 21, 2007 at the San Juan Living Center.

Vi was born Oct. 13, 1931 in St. Joseph, Mo., the first child of Howard Bennett and Elsie May Lynch. While living in Denver, Colo., she married James Edward Gates on May 7, 1949.

Several prominent themes in Vi’s life will be remembered by those who knew her. First and foremost was her love of family and her roles as wife, mother and homemaker. She derived much joy from simply being together with family, which included a succession of pampered poodles. Music was a lifelong interest, highlighted by Vi’s association with teacher and friend Dr. Antonio Brico. Vi taught piano lessons and was a singer and avid listener, opera being a particular favorite. She will also be remembered for her keen mind and creative writing ability. She was a published author of poetry and a book, “Journey to Center Place.”

When Vi was diagnosed with lung cancer last spring, she reassured everyone that “I am not afraid to die.” They were words of absolute conviction, borne of a childhood near-death experience. She knew what lies ahead, and for her the anticipation was joyfully expressed in the words of the song “Going Home” (adapted from the Largo movement of Dvofiák’s New World Symphony). Vi has now gone home, leaving us with an inspiring example of the serenity of Martin Luther’s words: “In peace and joy I now depart for full of comfort is my heart.”

She leaves behind her beloved husband, Jim, their two daughters, Barbara Lynn and husband David W. Bauguess of Grand Junction and Nancy Joy Davis of Montrose; grandchildren, Dave E. Bauguess and Diana Bowman, four great-grandchildren, one surviving sister, Darlene Simmons and her husband Gerry Simmons of East Wenatchee, Wash., and a half-brother, Paul Nichols of Montana.

Vi’s life will be celebrated in a memorial service at Sunset Mesa Funeral Directors on Friday, Oct. 26, 2007, at 1 p.m. A reception for family and friends will immediately follow the service in the chapel.

Her family is deeply grateful for the outstanding care she received from the Montrose staff of Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado. For those who wish to do so, a donation to Hospice is suggested in lieu of flowers to P.O. Box 1804, Montrose CO 81402.

Visit our Web site, sign the online register and send condolences to Vi’s family at www.sunsetmesafuneraldirectors.com.  Arrangements are being handled under the care and direction of Sunset Mesa Funeral Directors, 155 Merchant Drive, Montrose, CO  81401.