Helen Gates

M. Helen Gates, age 88, died early Friday morning at her residence in Jefferson.

She was born January 30, 1930 in Kingsville, the daughter of Gaspar & Barbara (Halme) Koi and has resided in Jefferson since 1969 and been an Ashtabula County resident all of her life.   Mrs. Gates worked 15 years at Iten Fiber then spent 20 years as an aide in the Jefferson Area Local Schools prior to her retirement.

Helen attended the Jefferson United Methodist Church and enjoyed bowling, walking, baking and cooking.

She is survived by her husband, Duane W. Gates, whom she married November 15, 1969 at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Jefferson; children, Nancie (Daniel) Welton of Tucson, AZ, Douglas (Deborah) Urbank of Cortland, Herman (Nina) Urbank Jr. of Dublin, Gloria (Ray) Santee of Virginia Beach, VA & Kim Gates of Austinburg Twp.; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and two sisters, Esther Armstrong of Ashtabula & Rose Beardow of Saybrook Twp.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Gregory Gates, a granddaughter, Natasha Urbank; brothers, Zoltan & Ernie Koi and sisters, Barbara Paquin, Margaret Koi & Irene Koi.

Memorial services will be held Friday, August 10, 2018 at 1:00 P. M. at the Jefferson United Methodist Church, 125 E. Jefferson St., Jefferson with the Rev. Doug Winner officiating.  Burial will be in Eagleville Cemetery.

A casual informal gathering in memory of Helen will be held from 11:00 A. M. to 1:00 P. M. prior to the service on Friday in the Angel’s Wing at the church.  In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions to the Jefferson United Methodist Church (above address) or Bella Care Hospice, 1933 St. Rt. 45, Austinburg, OH  44010.  The Fleming & Billman Funeral Directors and Crematory and staff, Jefferson, Ashtabula & Geneva are honored to serve the Helen Gates family. To express condolences, view obituary or light a candle, visit fleming-billman.com.

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