Ann Marie Gates

Ann Marie Gates was granted entrance to heaven on April 17, 2009. Her final days of her battle against pancreatic cancer were spent surrounded by family and friends. Although her illness took its toll on her physical body, her inner strength and incredible sense of humor shone through to the end. Ann’s dedication to her chosen career in orthodontics helped create many bright smiles and lasting friendships across Northern Colorado and beyond. Ann loved movies, music, cala lilies and was a veritable plethora of useless trivia information, a definite must-pick for your Trivial Pursuit team. We will miss her every day, especially her special talent for finding humor in the darkest of situations. Ann’s life is one to be celebrated and should serve as a reminder to those of us left to mourn her that every day is a gift, cherish your relationships and tell your friends and family that you love them. While she leaves behind numerous friends and family members and a world a little less fun without her in it, she will forever be in our hearts and memories. Ann leaves behind the light of her life, her son, Roman Cruz Garcia, of Greeley, CO; her stepdaughter Chelsea Jean Garcia; her mother, Betty Clothilde Tolbert Gates, of, Oil City, LA; her father, Charles Edward Gates of Platteville, CO; her sister, Rebecca Ann Rainey of Omaha, NE; her niece, Gabrielle Rainey of Omaha, NE; her nephew, Alexander Rainey of Omaha, NE; a myriad incredible friends, many of whom were invaluable in assisting Ann during her treatment. Recitation of the Rosary will be held on Monday, April 20th at 9:30am at St. Peters Catholic Church followed by a Funeral Mass. Memorial donations may be made to Roman Garcia Education Fund in care of Adamson Funeral & Cremation Services, 2000 47th Avenue Greeley, CO 80634.