Ronnie Gates

Ronnie Gates

Ronnie Gates
March 29, 1937 – July 7, 2016
Montezuma, Iowa | Age 79

Ronnie Gates, 79 of Montezuma, died unexpectedly at his home on Thursday afternoon, July 7, 2016 in Montezuma where he managed the motel. Ronnie Lee Gates, the son of Harold and Dorothy (Staker) Gates, was born on March 29, 1937.

Ronnie proudly served his country in the United States Navy for a couple of years before he was honorably discharged.

Ronnie previously lived in Des Moines where he worked for Firestone for 28 years, before moving to Montezuma to run the Cozy Country Inn for the past 14 years.

He professionally showed German Shepherd dogs all over the country. He was a great fan of sprint and stock car racing and raced stock cars as a young man. He was an excellent gardener and enjoyed working in his garden and fishing. He was also a Masonic Lodge member.

He is survived by his wife, Patty; son, Jimmy (& Cindy) Gates; daughters, Sally Gates and Carol Ann Gates-Miller; six grandchildren: Jimmy Gates, Jr., Anthony Gates, Joy Youngquist, Daniel Miller, Melissa Miller Davidson, and Matthew Miller; 13 great grandchildren; his brother, Larry (& Kathy) Shaeffer; and sister, Marjorie (& Al) Bean.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Gates and Dorothy Yarwood.

Graveside memorial services will begin at 1:00 pm Sunday, July 31, 2016 at the Pleasant Township Cemetery in Ewart.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Montezuma Fire Department or the Knoxville Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum.

Holland-Coble Funeral Home of Montezuma is in charge of arrangements.