Ruth Gates, 76, of Sweet Home passed away Wednesday at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis. She was born in Marshalltown, Iowa to John S. and Nellie (Davis) Montgomery.

Ruth came to Sweet Home in her youth, when her family moved from Iowa. She graduated from Sweet Home High School.

In 1953, Ruth married Franklin Gates. The couple were married for 57 years and lived primarily in Sweet Home. Her family was very important to her and taking care of their needs gave her years of joy.

Ruth is survived by: her husband, Frank; children, Debbie Greer of Sweet Home, Frank (Carol) Gates, Jr., of Clarkston, Washington, and Steve (Jill) Gates of Molalla, Oregon; brother, Wilbur “Pee Wee” Montgomery of Iowa; ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by: a great grandchild; brothers, John, Wayne, and Clarence; and sister, Mildred Bennett.

A memorial potluck will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, July 24, at Sweet Home Evangelical Church. Please bring a side dish.

Contributions can be made in Ruth’s name to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, PO Box 650309, Dallas, Texas, 75265-0309.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet Home Funeral Chapel.