Dorothy A. Gates, 89, of Waterloo, IA and formerly of rural Independence, died Saturday, January 14, 2017 at the Northcrest Specialty Care Center in Waterloo, IA.

Dorothy was born on October 24, 1927 in Waterloo, Iowa the daughter of Benjamin and Lucille Mae (Bard) Davis. She was a 1945 graduate of the Waterloo West High School, and attended the Pitzie School of Hair in Waterloo, IA. On July 17, 1945 she married John Kenneth Gates in Savannah, IL. She and John spent many years traveling throughout the United States, until they bought a farm in rural Independence, IA in 1973.

She enjoyed having company over to play cards. She loved her children, and her grandchildren had a special place in her heart.

Dorothy is survived by her children, Cindy Harris, Waterloo, IA, Michael (Sue) Gates, Mt. Vernon, IA, and Christi Hess, New Hampton, IA, five grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren; four sisters, Elsie (Joe) Westmoreland, HI, Barbara (Jerry) Cummings, Lucerne Valley, CA, Sandra (Sheldon) Sickler, San Diego, CA, Jean (John) Sutton, OR, and a brother Ralph Davis, HI; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband John, and two brothers Edward and Gary Davis.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 PM Friday, January 20, 2017 at the Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory, Independence, IA, with Rev Scott Meador officiating. Friends may call from 10 to services on Friday at the Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory, Independence, IA.