Darlene Gates Obituary

Gates
Darlene Elizabeth
Gates
June 4, 1941
February 16, 2025

Darlene Elizabeth Gates passed away on February 16, 2025. The family is deeply saddened but know she is at peace with her beloved parents, Rusty and Neva Marion.
Darlene is survived and missed by her loving husband of 65 years, Larry; her son, Tim; daughter-in-law, Karol; and grandsons, Tommy and Tanner. Her memory will be cherished by the Daniels family, Bret and Betty, and her memory will live on with her chosen family members: Ollie and Meghan Spaeth and family, and her 'adopted daughters' Molly, Amanda and Megan. She is also survived by her eldest son, Daniel, and sisters, Marilyn and Bunny.
Darlene was born on June 4, 1941, in Kansas City, MO, and grew up in St. Louis, MO. She met her husband Larry at the age of 16 at Riverview Gardens High School in St. Louis, MO. Right from the start Larry gave her the endearment, Queen, because, in his eyes, she would shine the brightest in any room. She and Larry were married on February 5, 1960. When Larry joined the United States Air Force, they lived at various air force bases in Austin, TX; Sedalia, MO; and Miami, FL. Some of her greatest joy came from traveling, 4-wheeling, visiting old mining sites, and researching genealogy and the history of Colorado. Darlene and Larry created many memories while enjoying trips as a family and traveling over 35 states, England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland. She was a highly accomplished artist that could create vivid, photo-like images using pencils, watercolors, pastels and oils.
Darlene took an active role in documenting family memories. You would not see her without her cameras for very long. Whether it was a holiday family gathering or one of her son's heavy metal or 80s band performances, she was always in the front filming it all, dancing and laughing while she did. The family will be forever grateful to her because the memories she captured will be cherished by generations to come.
Through these accomplishments and many more, her love of life will carry on, reminding us that we were fortunate to share this all too short life with her.
There are no words that can express how grateful and blessed we are to our neighbors, friends and family who have shared their well wishes and messages of strength. The family will announce the celebration of life details at a later time. Until then, grab a beer, a shot or libation of choice to share in a virtual toast from our family to yours in 'The Queen's' honor!