Dearest mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Linda Kaye Gates died Tuesday morning, Nov. 21, 2017, in Lakeside, following a several month battle with cancer. She was 76 years old. Linda was born on Nov. 17, 1941, in North English, Iowa, to her parents, the late Roy and Lorna (Dickens) Hall. Services were held Nov. 25, at the Pinetop First Baptist Church in Pinetop. On Jan. 7, 1961, she married her “Forever Sweetheart”, Robert John “Bob” Gates in North English, Iowa. Shortly after her marriage, they began a new chapter in their life when they moved to Arizona. Bob recently passed away on Aug. 4, 2017, well into their 56th year of marriage. His passing left a huge void in her heart and she missed him terribly. Throughout her life, Linda worked for the Show Low Unified School District and retired after many years from the administrative office. She then worked, alongside of her husband, at the Navajo County Fairgrounds, where they enjoyed working together for many years. Also, alongside of her husband Linda was the co-founder of the annual “Run To The Pines” car show in Pinetop/Lakeside. That was an annual event that they organized for 34 years. Linda gave her life in service to her community. She was a very generous and big-hearted person. She will be missed a great deal by everyone whomever had the privilege to call her friend. Linda Kaye Gates is survived by her two children, Kristi (Adrian Spencer) Pacheco-Hayden of Southport, N.C., and John “J.” (Sandi) Gates of Queen Creek; three grandchildren, Greg (Jessica) Pacheco of Southport, N.C., Aaron Pacheco of Tempe and Mitch Gates of Queen Creek; and three sisters, Sharon (Don), Karen and Nancy. Along with her parents, Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Gates. Owens Livingston Mortuary – White Mountain Chapel of Show Low handled the arrangements.
