Mildred Fay Gates, 95, died peacefully in the arms of her son and daughter-in-law, Chuck and Tammi Gates on February 9, 2012 in her home at Rosetta Assisted Living.
The youngest of five children, Millie was born September 29, 1916 to Charles and Malinda Howard in Anaconda, Montana. Millie’s happy childhood in Victor and Anaconda was filled with games & family trips.
After graduating from Anaconda High, Millie lived with her brother and his wife in Salt Lake City where she worked in the Sweets & McDonald’s Chocolate Factory, also attending Henniger Business College. Returning to Anaconda to work in the City Hall, she also began to do typing from home. Millie made care packages of food for families, sending them off to soldiers fighting in WWII and worked at the corner grocery store.
Millie met her husband, Ted Gates at this grocery store. They were married in Anaconda in 1945. After a honeymoon trip to Lethbridge, Alberta, the Gates bought a ranch in the Bitterroot Valley on Hamilton Heights.
Millie and Ted stayed busy raising pigs, rabbits, chickens, and 38 Macintosh apple trees. When Ted and Millie sold the ranch, they moved back to Anaconda. Millie became a Sunday School teacher and volunteered at the thrift store.
Their only son, Chuck, was born in Anaconda in 1957. When Chuck reached school age, Millie got a job with the Anaconda School District until her retirement. Chuck & Millie were as close as any mother & son could be.
Chuck and his wife, Tammi, now live in Helena. Millie absolutely adored her grandkids Codi, and her husband James, Ben and his wife Jamie, and Ted and his wife Jeannine. Millie was incredibly proud of her great grandchildren Londyn, Corban, Reeves, Taetum & the new baby expected in the Spring.
In 2003 Millie moved to Helena to be near family. Millie’s favorite pastime was collecting stuffed animals by winning Bingo and nobody left a visit without taking one home as a gift. At 95, Millie helped her nephew Howie Rosenleaf donate bags and bags of these to the Toys for Tots program. Millie lived at Hunter’s Pointe, Cooney Convalescent Home & Rosetta Assisted Living. Millie could not speak highly enough of the friendship & care she received at each of these homes.
Millie was preceded in death by her husband, Ted, her siblings Floyd, Harold, Martha & Sylvia. She cherished her sibling’s children and grand children, loved attending any family event and will be dearly missed by all. Although the Gates, Howard and Rosenleaf families are too many to name, she treasured each one individually.
A viewing and Family & Friends Reception will be held in Helena from 2-4 p.m. on Thursday, February 16th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana from. A memorial service for Millie will be held in Helena at Gateway Center, 1710 National Avenue at 11 am on Saturday, February 18th. Interment will take place in Anaconda at a later date. The family wishes for memorials to be sent to Farm in the Dell International, 1208 Poplar, Helena, MT 59601 or to Cooney Convalescent Home 2555 E Broadway St Helena, MT 59601.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Bonnie LaFountaine says
Chuck and Tammi, Thank you for choosing Rosetta to care for your mom in the last chapter of her wonderful life. She was a sweet, caring woman who always had a ready smile for the staff who grew to care for her very much. We will miss her and we will miss you as well.
Connie & Kelly Jerome says
My dear sweet friends, we are so sorry for the loss of your mom & grandma. Millie was a delight to all who were around her, and her love and caring will live on in each of you. May you know we are keeping you all in our prayers. We love you.
Eileen and Fred Kluesner says
Aunt Millie was one of my favorite Aunts. Fred and I stopped to see her many times when we were in Anaconda and later in Helena. May God bless her and her family as they deal with their loss. What a great age to live to!
Laura A Nisbet says
Dear Chuck and Tammy,family,
Thinking of you as you celebrate the life of your mom, grandmother and good friend. Our hope being in Him, knowing 2Tim 4:7,8-I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith…the crown of righteousness has been awarded by our Lord…
In His love, Laura & Doug Nisbet
Laurie House says
To Chuck and family,I am so sorry for your loss. Millie was a sweet lady. Thank you so much for choosing Rosetta and letting us care for her. She will be greatly missed.
Mike and Tammy Gates says
Chuck so sorry for your loss,our prayers are with you and your family.