Loretta Colene Gates

Loretta Colene Gates, born on January 21, 1948, in Putnam County, passed away on April 15, 2026, in Quincy, Illinois. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who touched the lives of many throughout her 78 years.

Loretta dedicated over 25 years of her life to caring for others as a CNA and medical technician, a testament to her compassionate nature and unwavering commitment to those in need. Her professional career reflected a life of service, and she approached her work with kindness and dedication.

She treasured her family deeply, especially the precious moments spent with her grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. Loretta found joy in many hobbies and interests, including oil painting, playing the piano, gardening, and canning. She was also a devoted fan of country music, with a particular fondness for the legendary Conway Twitty.

Loretta shared a remarkable 59 years of marriage with her loving husband, Kenneth. Together, they created a family filled with love and cherished memories. They are survived by their son Kenny Gates; daughters Sheila and Annette Gates; sister Edith Ruggles; grandchildren Harley Robbins, Tia (Joe) Schubert, Bevyn and Natalie March, Kaleigh and Kenlee Gates; and great-grandchildren Ryatt and Violet Robbins, Cohen and Weston Schubert, and Laken David.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Gilbert and Sarita (Hogg) Casady; brother Louie Casady; son Johnnie Gates; as well as nieces Crystal Ruggles and Angie Thompson, nephew Billy Groseclose and grandson Dylan Robbins.

A graveside service to honor Loretta’s life will be held on April 22, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Lone Pine Cemetery in Martinstown, Missouri. Family and friends will gather to celebrate a life well-lived, remembering her warmth, generosity, and the lasting impact she made in the lives of all who knew her.

Loretta Colene Gates’s legacy of care, creativity, and family devotion will be cherished always. She leaves behind a loving family and a community who were fortunate to know such a remarkable woman.