Rita L. Gates

ROYALSTON – Rita L. (Dunham) Gates, 82, of 267 South Royalston Road, died peacefully Tuesday morning, April 6, 2021 in her residence, with her family at her side.

She was born in Winchendon on February 28, 1939, daughter of the late Lewis and Arlene (Stowell) Dunham and was a resident of Royalston for most of her life.

Rita had worked as a technician for Simplex Time Recorder for many years until her retirement.  In earlier years she had worked at Digital as a machine operator.  She enjoyed dancing, attending antique car shows and especially enjoyed spending time with her family.

Her husband of 56 years, William R. Gates, died in 2013.  She leaves three daughters, Tamatha E. Gates of Royalston, Tanya M. Moore and her husband John of Royalston and Theresa L. Gates of Royalston; eight grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren; her siblings, Roger A. Dunham of Royalston, William R. Dunham of Polk City, FL, Alice M. Leonard, Doris A. Smith, June M. Smith, all of South Royalston and Sally J. Berry of Orange.  In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Lewis A. Dunham Jr. and Harry A. Dunham.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Royalston Fish and Gun Club.

Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon is directing arrangements.

www.stone-ladeau.com