Barbara Gates

BAKERSFIELD - Barbara G. Gates, age 85, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 surrounded with the love of her family.

She was born May 28, 1939 and raised in Maine. She was the daughter of the late Charlie & Mildred "Millie" (Bartlett) Gordon. Barb always held her roots close to her heart as she ventured through life.

Barb's journey led her to Connecticut, where she met the love of her life, Samuel Gates. They made their home in Bakersfield, Vermont, where they raised their three children. Barb's joyful spirit and genuine kindness touched the lives of everyone she encountered. A true people person, she was adored by so many customers that became friends throughout her career, particularly her golfers at the Bakersfield Country Club and her bowlers at the Dairy Center.

Barb had an unmatched ability to connect with others. She brought her vibrant personality to her role at the Dairy Center, where she worked alongside her dear friend and sister-in-law, Lise Gates. Barb was known for her infectious laughter and her unwavering support for those she loved. Barb loved life's adventures, whether it was hitting the casinos, enjoying sunny days at the family farm in Maine, or cheering on grandchildren's sports teams. She rarely missed a moment to cheer them on, and her legacy of love and devotion will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Left to cherish her memory is her children, Rhonda Goss and her husband Tim, Brenda Gagne and her late husband Keith, and Scott Gates and his significant other Mary Kay; her beloved grandchildren, Josh and his wife Jessica, Jared and his wife Ashley, Jordan and his wife Shania, Dakota and his wife Taylor, Riley, Cheyanne and her significant other Thomas, Samantha, Norah, Asa, Addie, Grace, Stephen, and Tucker; great grandchildren, Kaden, Reagan, Katelynn, Jaxon, Paityn, Corbin, Carter, Emmah, Hunter, Aurora, and Kennedy; a son raised into the family, Thomas Dezotelle and his wife Jen; siblings, Pearl Boutwell, Wesley Gordon, Edith Bragg, and Pat Litalien; brother-in-law, Danny Fink; and many nieces & nephews. In addition to her parents, Barb was predeceased by her husband, Samuel Gates; son-in-law, Keith Gagne; sister, Joanne Fink; siblings-in-law, Wendell Boutwell, Fern Gordon, Melissa Tatro, and Lindsey Gates; and her nephew, Luc Gates.

Friends & family are invited to Barb's life celebration to include visitation from 5-8:00 PM on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at the Goss-Spears Life Celebration Home, 96 Dickinson Avenue, Enosburg Falls, VT. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 17, 2025 at the Goss-Spears Life Celebration Home. Interment will be held this spring in Maple Grove Cemetery in Bakersfield.

For those who wish, contributions in Barb's memory may be made to the Luc Gates Foundation, 2445 Sampsonville Road, Enosburg Falls, VT 05450 or the Susan G. Komen Foundation for breast cancer research.

Condolences, photos and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com