Annalee B. Gates

Annalee B. Gates, 87, of Tamaroa, passed away at 8:30 P.M. Saturday, May 27, 2017 at the Herrin Hospital in Herrin.

Annalee had been a farm wife and a homemaker.  She earned her BS degree in education and had taught in the Robinson, Flat Rock and Freeport school systems.  She had also been a substitute teacher in the local schools of the area.  She was a member of the St. Johns United Church of Christ in Du Quoin and the Perry County Farm Bureau.

She was born February 1, 1930 at Du Bois, the daughter of Raymond and Mary Bertha (Schwind) Bowers.

Annalee married Silas Jerome “Jerry” Gates on June 14, 1952 at Du Bois, and he passed away May 31, 2016.

She is survived by two sons – Douglas J. Gates of Tamaroa and Brian Gates and wife Cyndi (Krone) of Brooksville, Fla., two daughters – Pamela D. Gates and spouse Thomas Schnitzius of Caseyville and Stacey L. Vancil (nee Gates) and husband Joey of Du Quoin, sister – Geraldine Massa of Collinsville, four grandchildren – Casey Orion Gates and fiance Xiaoya Liu of Tavares, Fla., Wesley Blake Gates of Brooksville, Fla., Joel Jerome Vancil and fiance Alexis Lilly of Du Quoin and Abigail Lisette Vancil of Du Quoin, one great granddaughter – Victoria Liu of Tavares, Fla.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and sister – Rosemary Levreault.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 A.M. Friday, June 2, 2017 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Rev. Earl Menchhofer officiating.

Friends may call from 4:30 p.m. until 7:30 P.M. Thursday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.

Burial will be in the Ashley Cemetery at Ashley.

Friends may make memorials to the Ashley Cemetery, St. Johns United Church of Christ or the Sunfield Baptist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.

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