Ramona Mary Gates, 84, of McPherson, Kansas, passed away July 18, 2023 at McPherson Hospital, McPherson Kansas.
Ramona was born in Silver City, New Mexico on January 13, 1939, the daughter of Miguel and Juana (Quintana) Esquivel.
Ramona attended St. Mary’s Academy in Silver City, New Mexico, first grade through high school. She received her Nursing degree at Mary Mount College in Salina, Kansas and a Bachelor’s degree at McPherson College.
Through the years Ramona worked as a RN at McPherson Hospital and then became Director of McPherson Area Council until she retired in 1993.
Ramona enjoyed working in the yard, gardening, cooking, going to her children's sporting events and spending time with her friends and family.
Ramona Mary Esquivel was united in marriage to Larry Lee Gates on June 10, 1961 in Concordia, Kansas. The young couple established their first home in Concordia. This union was blessed with the birth of three children, Valerie, Ray and James.
Ramona is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Larry Gates, of McPherson, Kansas; her son, Ray Gates and his wife Debra, of Topeka, Kansas; three grandchildren, Deborah, Michael and Matthew Wilson and many great grandchildren.
Ramona was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Valerie Gates; her son, James Gates; her sister, Mary Helen; and her brother, David.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 20, 2023 from 5-7 pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church, McPherson, Kansas.
Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, July 21, 2023 at 10:00 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Rosary at 9:30 am, with Fr. Ben Shockey officiating.
Burial will be held at McPherson Cemetery, McPherson, Kansas.
Memorials may be made to McPherson Community Foundation in care of the Valerie Ann Gates Memorial Scholarship Fund and they can be sent to Glidden-Ediger-Wiggins Funeral Home; 222 W. Euclid St., McPherson, Kansas 67460