Mrs. Janas Mae Gates, of Newport, Arkansas, passed away on March 10, 2026, at the age of 79. Born on May 30, 1946, she was the daughter of Ralph, Sr. and Agnes (Rutledge) Fisher. A 1965 graduate of Tuckerman High School, she married the love of her life, Bobby Gates, on September 9, 1966. The couple shared fifty-nine beautiful years together.
Mrs. Gates worked as the Cafeteria Manager at Castleberry Elementary School and later enjoyed working at the Gizmo Shop for her sister-in-law, Wilma Evans. A devoted member of Holden Avenue Church of Christ, she faithfully served on various church committees. She found great pleasure in cooking, reading, creating floral arrangements and corsages for the church, and shopping with her sisters. Above all, her greatest joy was her family. She cherished her granddaughter, Ava May, and treasured the many memories made during their large family reunions.
Mrs. Gates is preceded in death by her infant daughter, Kelly Lynn; her brothers, Harold Dean Fisher, Ralph Fisher, Jr., Hugh Fisher, Marcus Fisher, David Fisher, and Jeral Fisher; her sisters, Jetta Fisher, Latricia “Lue” Lucas, and Pauline Sutherland; and her parents.
She is survived by her husband, Bobby Gates; her son, Jason Gates and wife Lacy; her daughter, Jan Gates Walker and husband Jason; her sisters, Delois Honey and Sue Wright and husband Frank; her granddaughter, Ava May Gates; many special nieces and nephews; and dear family friends Kasey, Zane, and Lindley Gehring.
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