Thelma Lloyd Gates

At her request, a private service will be held for Thelma Lloyd Gates who passed away at the age of 109 in Scotts Valley on August 21, 2009. Her loving daughter and her caregivers were at her bedside at the time of her passing. Born in Ontario, Canada on February 20, 1900, she moved with her family as a toddler to North Dakota. Living near a Sioux reservation there, she became very interested in the spirituality of the Native American People. She moved to Los Angles and earned her teaching degree from UCLA in 1924. She and her late husband, George Gates, were both teachers and retired from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz 54 years ago.

Thelma's 109 years on earth were a testimony to the way she lived her life. She helped others, and would place her needs second. Well into her 90's, she would continue to create beautiful quilts and send them as gifts to the Navajo People whom she learned so very much from. While her husband was a resident of Driftwood Convalescent Hospital in Santa Cruz, Thelma would make wonderful lap robes for the other residents. For years, the staff of Driftwood was a second family for Thelma and George.

Her husband, George Marion Gates preceded her in death in 1997. Following his death, Thelma took these past twelve years and lived a life of fun and adventure. Well into her 100's she grew beautiful flowers and produce in her garden, and this past month, at 109, went on a camping trip to the North Sierras with her friends. She will always be an inspiration to those who knew her, to enjoy what has been given to you and cherish the time you have to share it.

She is survived by her daughter, Joanne E. Fisk of Aptos, eight grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren, and dear friends and caregivers, Roger and Janice Roesner.