Obituary of Betty Marie Gates

Betty Marie Gates passed away Tuesday, August 20, 2019 at the age of 91.  She was born March 20, 1928 in Battle Creek, Michigan to George Lawrence and Josephine (Hanson) Darlington.  Betty lived in the Bangor and Grand Junction(Michigan) area most of her life.  Betty loved to bowl and she did so until the age of 83.  Her favorite pro bowler was Pete Weber.  She liked to play Bingo and listen to Elvis, to whom she was a huge fan.  For many years she hosted Christmas (she loved making her mother’s Danish butter cookies at Christmastime), Thanksgiving and birthdays. She loved having the family together for these special events.  She is survived by daughter Linda M. Torp of Grand Ledge, Michigan, George L. Gates of Grand Junction Michigan and sister Georgette Stanaszek of Kalamazoo, Michigan.  Also surviving are 5 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and numerous great-great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband George R Gates,daughter Nancy J (Gates) Farthing and her sister Marion(Darlington) Konecny.  At her request there will be no services. She has wished to be cremated. A private family gathering will be held at a later time.  Contributions in memory of Betty may be made to Disabled Veterans of America in lieu of flowers or plants. Personal condolences can be sent directly to the family.