Kathy Joyce Gates

Kathy Joyce Gates, 67, of Fort Gibson, OK was born November 23, 1953 in Muskogee, OK to Olen and Bobbie (Weger) Russell and peacefully passed away on Sunday, October 3, 2021. Kathy received her formal education and graduated from Muskogee High School in 1971. In January of 1978, on the 13th day, she married the love of her life, Clarence, and they started a family. Kathy worked for Muskogee Public Schools at Whittier Elementary to be closer to her children that were in 2nd grade and kindergarten when she started, and stayed for over 10 years. She continued her career taking care of people, something she always felt like she was called to do. Kathy worked as a home heath aide for over 15 years and finished her career working at St John’s Hospital in Tulsa, OK. Kathy enjoyed traveling. She and Clarence would travel everywhere, like Hawaii and Alaska, but Kathy really like the Dakotas. Kathy enjoyed visiting with friends and family over the phone. She loved every moment spent with her grandchildren. Kathy loved her pets as part of the family. She liked to stop at the casino and occasionally give the slot machines a run for their money. She was loved and will be missed by all who knew her. Kathy leaves behind to cherish her memories, her husband, Clarence of the home; son, Jeffery Gates and wife Sherry, of Fort Gibson; daughter, Elizabeth Davis and husband Tim, of Fort Gibson; grandchildren, Ian Davis, Leo Davis, Jeffery C. Gates and Jonathan Gates; sisters, Linda Dry and husband Thomas, Nancy Russell, Barbara Crabtree and Violet McKeen; aunt, Esther Lowe; extended family and many friends. Kathy was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Curtis Russell and Richard Russell; grandparents, Jefferson and Minnie Weger; and brother-in-law, Jesse Crabtree. A viewing for Kathy will be 12PM-7PM Thursday, October 7, 2021 at Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home with family receiving friends 5PM-7PM. A graveside service will be held 11AM Friday, October 8, 2021 at Memorial Park Cemetery in Muskogee, OK with Brother Larry Lashley officiating. Jeffery C. Gates, Tim Davis, Jr., Ian Davis, Jeffery Gates, Jonathan Gates and Jason Fulk will serve as casket bearers. The family of Kathy Joyce Gates has entrusted her care, service and burial to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home, Fort Gibson. 918-478-2555. Online condolences may be left for the family at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com

Kathy Joyce Gates

November 23, 1953 - October 3, 2021