Lura Gates

SIKESTON, Mo. — Our beloved mother and grandmother, Lura Elizabeth Gates entered her heavenly home with the love of her family surrounding her on Aug. 10, 2020, at the age of 94 years.

Lura will be dearly missed by her children, David Gates, Diane Sindle, Larry and Pam Gates, David and Christie Parden; 11 grandchildren; 20 (plus one) great-grandchildren; 7 (plus two) great-great grandchildren; and former daughter-in-law, Rhonda Gates as well as numerous other family members and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents, James Otis and Letha Mae Franks Hulen; husband, Herman Gates; and grandson, David Gilliland II.

Lura — or Elizabeth, as she was known to many — worked until the age of 93 years as the “Ironing Lady” of Sikeston. She continued to iron clothes for so many years in order to give thousands of dolls and stuffed animals to countless boys and girls through the ministry of Christ to the Nations. She was never able to hand deliver her gifts, or even witness the joy on the children’s faces as they embraced their new found friends; however, it gave her a great sense of fulfillment to know that she touched a child through a simple act of kindness. This example is only a small glimpse of Elizabeth’s life of selflessness, compassion, and generosity toward others. The only thing she loved doing besides her missionary work is working in her flower beds, her ironing people boasted about how beautiful they were. She was an inspiration to her family and anyone she came in contact with.

Her faith in God has taken her through life’s struggles and she would always say, “Jesus has taken care of me this far and He’s not about to stop now.” She was preparing her whole life to meet her heavenly Father and now knows that her little talks with Jesus made things right. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

A visitation will be held at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel, 205 N. Stoddard St., in Sikeston on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020, from 11 a.m. until time of funeral service at 1 p.m. Burial will follow in the Blodgett Cemetery at Blodgett, MO.

Pallbearers will be: Jay Sindle, Aaron Casey, Rob Russell, Bobby Russell, Steve Foley and David Hammon.

Online condolences may be shared at www.nunneleefuneralchapel.com.

Paid obituary