Cleta Gene Gates

Cleta Gene Gates obituary, Fort Gibson, OK

Cleta Gene Gates

Cleta Gates Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home - Fort Gibson on Jan. 13, 2026.
Cleta Gene Gates, 76, of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, in Fort Gibson.

Born on September 8, 1949, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Cleta was the daughter of Cletus Eugene and Ora Ilene (Smith) Klein. She spent her early years in Jenks and Tulsa and graduated from high school in Jenks. She continued her education at Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Cleta met and married the love of her life, Johnny R. Gates, on October 21, 1971, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. A marriage that lasted over 54 years.

Cleta dedicated over two decades of her professional life as an assistant to a Certified Public Accountant at Sartain Fischbein, where she worked for 21 years before retiring in 2013. Her commitment and diligence were evident throughout her career.

In recent years, Cleta made her home in Fort Gibson, where she lived for the past two years.

May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her.

Cleta is now reunited with her mother and father.

Those left to cherish Cleta's memory are her husband, Johnny, and many friends.

A celebration of Cleta's life will be 2PM, Monday, January 19, 2026, at Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home Chapel in Fort Gibson with Brother Justin Kinman officiating.

The family of Cleta Gene Gates has entrusted her care, service, and burial to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home in Fort Gibson. 918-478-2555. Online condolences may be left for the family at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Cleta's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Cleta Gates's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Cleta Gates's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?