Stevensville – Lois M. Gates (88), beloved wife, mother and teacher, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday October 26, 2016.
She was born on March 8, 1928 in Putnam Co., Missouri to Finis (Max) and Wava Scalf. Lois started her love of education at an early age of Four, running away to school so often that her parents and teacher allowed her to stay. Her family moved to Midwest Wyoming and then onto Missoula, MT, with stops at Garnet, Arlee, Southern Cross and Anaconda where she graduated from high school in Spring of 1946. Lois started teaching in the Corvallis School District in the Fall of 1946, and later completed her college education in 1951, going on to acquire her Master’s degree from the University of Montana. Her love for teaching continued for many years, touching the lives of thousands. She formally retired after 41 years in 1991 from Stevensville School District.
Lois married Joseph Gates at St. Mary’s Rectory in Stevensville, on August 27, 1949 and were married for 61 years. They made their first home on a small farm on Hamilton Heights. In 1955, they moved to the current family farm in Stevensville where they raised their four children, numerous farm animals and crops. Lois was an avid cheerleader of her children’s school sports and clubs, participating as a FHA Mom for many years. She was also a member of the St. Mary’s church community where she helped with various functions. Most of her time was spent enjoying family dinners, her pets and wildlife on the family farm. Her passion for learning led her in many directions including several hobbies: gardening, reading and writing, puzzles, ceramics, crocheting, painting and drawing, cake decorating and taking scenic drives.
Lois was preceded in death by her parents, Max and Wava, and her husband Joe. She is survived by her brother James (Lynn) Scalf of Kalispell, sons Sam (Patti) and Jim (Janet), daughter Terri (Bob) Anderson all of Missoula, and daughter Chris (Rick) Bauman of Lolo, grandchildren Katherine (Cody) Kirschenheiter, Amanda (Jarin) Horner, Elizabeth Gates and Robert Bauman, one great granddaughter Ava Marie Kirschenheiter and numerous nieces and nephews.
A vigil will be held on Sunday, November 20, 2016 at 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Stevensville. The family invites you to come share your memories of Lois/Mrs. Gates at this time. A service will be held Monday, November 21, 2016 at 11 a.m. also at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Stevensville where Father Matt Huber will be officiating. Interment of ashes will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, followed by a reception.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be sent to the Fox Hollow Animal Project (Corvallis), Animeals of Missoula, or the Garnet Preservation Association. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.