Thelma June Gates, age 83, former resident of Central Heights and Miami, Arizona, passed away on Sunday, March 11, 2018 at her residence in Tucson, Arizona. She was born in Coalgate, Oklahoma on June 9, 1934, the daughter of Cleo and Retha (Powell) Settlemires.
She attended Miami High School, married Charles T. Gates and had two children; Debi Roberts and Rick Gates. June was a loving homemaker enjoyed cooking and sewing. She was an avid reader and liked to go dancing in her younger years. She loved camping, fishing and going hunting with her husband and family.
June worked various jobs during her lifetime but mostly enjoyed staying at home taking care of her family.
June was preceded in death by her parents; Cleo and Retha Settlemires, her husband Charles Gates, her daughter, Debi Roberts, her sister, Wilma Gates, and her brother Homer Settlemires.
She is survived by her son Rick Gates (Lissie) of Globe, Ariz., her sister Phyllis Merrill (Perry) of Anchorage AK, three grandchildren; Krystal Bedoy (Johnny) of Tucson, Ariz., Christopher Gates (Denise) of Las Vegas, NV, Kimberely Elkington (Mike) of Aviano Italy, six great-grandchildren; Charles, Melvin, Deanna, Michael, Aurora, Thomas and numerous nieces and nephews.
How do we say goodbye to someone so very dear? We remember all the precious moments shared and hold them in our hearts. We will miss her but will cherish our memories forever.
Burial of ashes will take place at Pinal Cemetery in Central Heights, Ariz. On Saturday, March 31, 2018 at 2 p.m.
