Vera Marie Gates was born November 23, 1926 in Danville, Virginia. She entered the gates of Heaven on March 30, 2008 in Mount Vernon, Washington. She grew up in North Carolina. She moved to Washington in 1955. She was proud of her southern roots. She lived most of her life in Washington in the Silvana, Stanwood area. She worked for Josephine Sunset Home and Twin City Foods in Stanwood and retired from there in 1998. She was an avid gardener and was happiest when surrounded by flowers. She also loved playing bingo and in her younger years dancing. She left behind her Son Roger and wife Irma Gates; Daughter Sharlene and Husband Victor Gage; Daughter Patty and husband Steve McQueary son Edward Gates and wife Jacquie; 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. She was very proud of her Family. She also leaves behind her best friend Rose Stafford. She was preceded in death by her husband Leonard Gates in 1984. Viewing will be held Thursday April 03, 2008 9:00am until 5:00pm at Hawthorne Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be held Friday April 04, 2008, 10:30am at Hawthorne Funeral Home followed by a Graveside Service at Cypress Lawn Memorial Park in Everett at 1:00pm.