Vereta "Joni" Gates

Franklin VT - Vereta Jon "Joni" Gates, died and was found at age 24, mid-summer of 1977 in Washington State. Her body was identified this May and reunited with family after 47 years.

Born October 21st, 1952, Joni lived in multiple states growing up in a U.S. Naval family. She was an avid reader and excelled in school. Beloved and kind, she had a brilliant mind, an innate curiosity, and a yearning for exploration. Her young adult life was filled with travel across the country, visiting friends and family in Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, and Northern California.

Joni's disappearance in 1977 left anguish and a void in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. After years of search efforts, her identification has brought both closure and sorrow.

Joni was a daughter, sister, niece, cousin, and friend. Memories of her infectious laughter and adventurous spirit remain vivid among her loved ones. The daughter of Commander David E. and Phyllis Gates, deceased, Joni is survived by her sister Meri Lee Gates Perkins, brothers Geoffrey and Captain David H. Gates, their families, and a large extended family.

The family is deeply grateful to all of the caring investigators for never giving up, to Adam Goss for his excellent funeral services, and to cousin Bobby Irish for providing Joni’s final cross-country drive home.

Joni will be laid to rest in a private prayer committal service at Maple Grove Cemetery in Franklin, VT.

In memory of Joni, please consider a charitable contribution to support victims of violence, those working to identify Jane Doe’s, or those working to locate missing children and women.

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