Dedra Gates

November 26, 1965 - May 13, 2013

Dedra Ann Gates, 47, of Chicago, formerly of Vandalia, passed away at 8:18am, Monday, May 13, 2013. Dedra was born November 26, 1965, in Vandalia, the daughter of Lee Ugene and Ruby (Elder) Gates.  A private family service will be held in memory of Miss Gates. Miss Gates enjoyed the arts, she liked to draw, paint, and to do crafts.  She also liked animals, dancing, kites, holidays, drama plays, restaurants, all sports; her favorite was swimming, children and spending time with her family.  She is survived by her brothers Dave Gates and wife Sandy of Decatur, Dennis Gates of Beecher City, Doug Gates of Keyesport, Darrell Gates and wife Jeanette of Beecher City, and Dale Gates of San Antonio, TX; sisters Debra and husband Denny Hamel of Vandalia, Darla and husband Ray Mahon of Uvalde, TX, Dawn Doty of Beecher City, Della and husband Jerry Beech of Lewisburg, TN; 12 nephews, 6 nieces, and 21 great nephews and nieces.  She was preceded in death by her parents; maternal grandparents Chet and Ethal Elder; paternal grandparents Oscar and Ethal Gates; brother Danny Gates and sister Denise Stephens.