Sarah Jane "Si" Gates, 89 , of Coldwater died Monday, October 18, 2010 at the Laurels of Coldwater.


Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2010 from 10:00 AM - 12 Noon at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater. A private family service will be held at a later time. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Coldwater.


Sarah was born July 30, 1921 in Pleasant Lake, IN to G. Edward & Nora (George) Thompson. She married Harold Gates on Oct. 28, 1943 in Ypsilanti. He preceded her in death on Jan. 7, 2009.


Mrs. Gates was a dedicated wife, mother and homemaker. She has been a lifelong resident of Coldwater and was very active in the city government. Sarah was the 4th Ward Councilwoman from 1979-1995, she served on the planning commission from 1985 - 1991 and acted as Vice-Mayor from 1991-1995. Sarah and her husband enjoyed square dancing together, belonging to the Merry Mixers Square Dance Club.


Sarah is survived by her sons Dennis & Linda Gates of Centreville, Mark Gates and Carol Scheidt of Grand Ledge, her sister Marge (Robert) Borland of Aniston, AL, 6 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her son Jeffrey Gates, 4 brothers and 2 sisters.


Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association, ALZ.org.