Linda Kaye Gates

Dearest mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Linda Kaye Gates died Tuesday morning, November 21, 2017, at the Haven of Lakeside in Lakeside, Navajo County, Arizona following a several month battle with cancer.  She was 76 years old.  Linda was born on Monday, November 17, 1941 in North English, Iowa County, Iowa to her parents, the late Roy and Lorna (Dickens) Hall.   On January 7, 1961, she married her "Forever Sweetheart", Robert John "Bob" Gates in North English Iowa.  Shortly after her marriage, they began a new chapter in their life when they moved to Arizona.  Bob recently passed away on August 4, 2017, well into their 56th year of marriage.  His passing left a huge void in her heart and she missed him terribly.Throughout her life, Linda worked for the Show Low Unified School District and retired after many years from the administrative office.  She then worked, alongside of her husband, at the Navajo County Fairgrounds, where they enjoyed working together for many years.  Also, alongside of her husband, Linda was the co-founder of the annual "Run To The Pines" car show in Pinetop/Lakeside.  That was an annual event that they organized for 34 years.  Linda gave her life in service to her community.  "She was a very generous and big-hearted person."  She will be missed a great deal by everyone whomever had the privilege to call her "friend." Linda Kaye Gates is survived by her 2 children:  Kristi (Adrian Spencer) Pacheco-Hayden of Southport, North Carolina, John "J." (Sandi) Gates of Queen Creek, Arizona; 3 grandchildren:  Greg (Jessica) Pacheco of Southport, North Carolina, Aaron Pacheco of Tempe, Arizona, Mitch Gates of Queen Creek, Arizona and is also survived by her 3 sisters:  Sharon (Don), Karen, and Nancy.  Along with her parents, Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Gates.The memorial service for Linda will begin 1:00 P.M., Saturday, November 25, 2017, at the Pinetop First Baptist Church, 1901 E. White Mountain Boulevard in Pinetop, Arizona where her good friend, Pastor Bob Horvath, will officiate.Memorial contributions, in Linda's name, to the Humane Society of The White Mountains:  3212 Porter Mountain Road, Lakeside, Arizona 85929, have been suggested by her family.The Gates family continues to be grateful for the never-ending love and support that they receive from extended family and countless friends.