Barbara Ann Gates

Barbara Ann Gates of Salisbury, MD, passed away on January 11, 2023, at Compass Regional Hospice in Centreville, MD, after a nearly five month battle with Glioblastoma. She was 74. Born on April 12, 1948, in Martinsburg, WV, she was the daughter of the late Virgil DeHaven and Dorothy Turner DeHaven. Barbara was an Army brat and spent much of her childhood stationed at a variety of military bases, including several years in Germany. When she was a student at Cape May Regional High School, she fell in love with her husband, Michael Gates, after he auditioned as a rhythm guitarist for her brother’s band, where she was also a singer. On February 20, 1965, she married Michael and music continued to be a special part of their lives. Barbara always considered her three children to be her greatest accomplishments. She often referred to herself as being incredibly lucky to be a stay-at-home mom/homemaker, where she could continually be available to her three children throughout their school years, and beyond. Barbara was an avid animal lover, who never met a dog she didn’t like. Her two year old Boston terrier, “The Outlaw Josey Wales” will no doubt be missing her as much as her family and friends will. One of Barbara‘s favorite times of the year was when she volunteered at Compass’ Camp New Dawn annual grief camp every August. Barbara signed up to volunteer at camp approximately 12 years ago, after losing her adult son several years prior. She began as an adult buddy, who was assigned to a child, who had also lost a loved one. After several years of being an adult buddy, Barbara took on the responsibility of camp photographer. She was responsible for creating the annual yearbooks over the past twelve years. Some of Barbara’s most precious friendships, came from her involvement at camp. Her contagious smile; genuine demeanor; and deep compassion for others, will be greatly missed by her camp family. Barbara is an Eastern Star, from the Manokin Lodge, # 109 in Princess Anne, MD. In addition to her husband, Michael Cole Gates, she is survived by two daughters, Rhonda A. Knotts (William) and Bobbi D. Richter (Matthew); three grandchildren, Skyelar Ingram, Joshua Richter, and Matti Richter; and a sister-in-law, Marye Jo Molitoris. She was predeceased by a son, Michael Lee Gates, and a brother-in-law, Clarke Bashelor. A private memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at Centreville United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to Compass’ Camp New Dawn program. Donations can be mailed to Compass, 160 Coursevall Drive, Centreville, MD, 21617.

Barbara Ann Gates

April 12, 1948 - January 11, 2023