Sharon F. Gates, 71, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away early Monday morning, December 28, 2015 at her home.

Born May 15, 1944 on a farm near Ong, Nebraska, she was the daughter of Harold and Margaret (Johnson) Roush. She was raised and received her education in Shickley, Nebraska, graduating from Shickley High School. She later attended Warner Pacific College in Portland, Oregon and Gulf Coast Bible College in Houston, Texas.

Sharon was united in marriage to Alfred Lindley Gates on December 27, 1969 in Norton, Kansas. She taught school in Hoxie and Atwood, Kansas. When the couple moved to Winfield, Sharon was a special education teacher at Lowell Elementary. She retired due to her failing health.

She was a faithful member of the Church of Christ in Winfield.

Her family includes:
Her husband: Al Gates of Winfield;
Her daughter: Lori (Gates) Starnes and husband, Sean of Porter, TX;
Her sons: Rusty Gates and wife, Stefanie (Oliver) of Orondo, WA; and Casey Gates and wife, Amber (Smith) of Deer Lodge, MT;
Her sisters: Marilyn Benton and Wanda Paulsen; and
Her grandchildren: Trevor and Sarah Gates.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Larry Roush.

The family will hold services at Church of Christ on Country Club Road in Winfield on Thursday, December 31, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. Private inurnment will take place at a later date.

A memorial has been established in Sharon's name for the Church of Christ. Contributions may be made through Miles Funeral Service.