Helen Gates

Hastings resident, Helen B. Gates, 92, passed away Monday, May 14, 2012 at Mary Lanning Memorial HealthCare, Hastings, Nebraska.

Wake service will be Thursday, May 17, 2012; 7:30 P.M. at Butler Volland Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, May 18, 2012; 10:30 A.M. at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Hastings, Nebraska with Father Michael Houlihan officiating. Burial will be Friday, May 18, 2012; 3:30 P.M. in St. Anselm's Cemetery, Anselmo, Nebraska with Father Jim Hunt officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, May 17, 2012; 1:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. at the funeral home, and one hour prior to service at the church. Memorials may be given to family's choice.

The children and grandchildren of Helen B. Gates of Hastings wish to share the celebration of her new life in the presence of God which began on May 14, 2012. Helen was born Jewell Isabelle Anderson, April 9, 1920 to Lydia Elizabeth (Crowe) Anderson & Wilmer Todd Anderson. At the age of two Jewell was adopted by Arthur & Nettie Turner and renamed Helen Bessie Turner. Helen was raised in Milburn, Nebraska and married her childhood sweetheart, Major Gates. She often said that she had her eye on Major throughout their 12 years of school together in Milburn, Nebraska. Helen and Major shared 65 years of life together. They lived in several locations in Custer County and moved to Hastings in 1969. She was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church for 43 years. Helen enjoyed life as a wife, a mother and a homemaker in the years of caring for her family. Bearing the loss of four children, Helen remained a strong spirit and firm in her faith. She looked forward to passing on to the next life.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Major T. Gates; children, Gary Gates, Greta Kohl Pracht, Linda A. Gates, and Marliese Mohlman; and sister, Viola Cunningham.

Survivors include:
Daughters: Janice L. (Malcolm) Kieborz - La Vista, NE
JoEllen (Philip) Carlos - Missoula, MT
Grandchildren: 13
Great-Grandchildren: 19
Great-Great-Grandchild: 1