Barbara J. Gates, 81, of Cherry Valley, Illinois, died Monday December 3, 2007 in Maple Crest Nursing Home, Belvidere after a lingering illness. Barbara was born May 28, 1926 in Calvin Park, Illinois the daughter of Clarence Dale and Nellie Fern (Keen) Hawkins. She married Mr. Philip E. Gates on March 28, 1944 in Belvidere, IL. She was a member of Cherry Valley United Methodist Church; the Busy Bee's of the church and was involved with the cooking club at Maple Crest.Survivors include her son, Gregory (Emma) Gates of Cherry Valley; grandsons, Christopher (Cammi) Gates of Cherry Valley, Patrick Gates of Rockford; great-grandchildren, Andrew Ora Gates and Abigail Marie Gates; sister, Judith Stannard of Rockford many nieces and nephews including special niece, Julie Derouin of Rockford.Barbara is predeceased by her parents and husband, Philip.

In lieu of flowers, Barbara would have preferred memorials in care of the family to be established.