Joan Mendell Gates

Joan Mendell Gates, died Saturday, October 10, 2020 having lived 90 years. She was born in Connersville, Indiana, and grew up in Bright, Indiana where she graduated from High School with honors, and perfect attendance. Her piano skills allowed her to play for recitals and weddings. Joan graduated from Franklin College, Franklin Indiana, with a B.S. in Education. She taught eight years Indiana and New York, and earned credits for a Master’s Degree. She mothered two sons, David (Eugenia) and Stephen (Anne), and was a steady companion to her husband, Dr. G. Kenneth Gates in Ministry, often making calls with him, and attending conferences, General Assemblies, and Continuing Education events with him. Joan became a Real Estate Agent in Arizona and Oklahoma. She and her husband were married in college and shared wonderful years and 68 Anniversaries. She had three sisters, Dorothy Lee Hoyt (deceased), and twins, Wanda Lou Bricker, and Waneta Hyman (deceased). Mrs. Gates will be buried in Bright, Indiana with family there. Memorials may be made to Franklin College, Franklin, Indiana for scholarships for Music and Education.