Virginia "Jo" Jo Ann Gates

Virginia Jo Ann Gates, 84, passed away December 30, 2016. Visitation will be held Thursday, January 5, 2017 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines and the funeral service on Friday, January 6 at 11:00 a.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4114 Allison Ave. in Des Moines followed by burial at Iowa Veterans Cemetery.

Jo was born January 1, 1932 to Hugh and Virginia Fertig in Collins, IA. Her father was a farmer and Jo was raised as a farm girl. She was a member of 4H and competed in many horse shows. She graduated from Collins High School and went to work for Banker’s Life in administration. She was active in sports and played industrial basketball for Banker’s Life and Farm Bureau. Jo met her husband to be, Robert Gates in 1950 on a blind date and wrote faithfully to him while he served in the Marines. They were married October 17, 1952.

Jo was a devoted wife, mother, career woman and volunteer. She was President of the Urbandale Booster Club and volunteered at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum at Camp Dodge, IA receiving the Commander Award for her service in October 2016. She enjoyed local sports, especially girls’ basketball, gardening, and working in her yard. When her son was older, Jo worked for Farm Bureau and later in the medical field for over 50 years, retiring in 2005.

She will be greatly missed by her husband of 64 years, Robert Gates; her son, Steve Gates; grandchildren, Zachary (Stephanie) Gates and Brianna (Nick) Long; great-grandchildren, Noah and Kenley Gates; and her sister, Pat Caulkins. Virginia was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, Jack and Gene Fertig.

The family wishes to thank Karen Acres for their great care of Jo. Memorial contributions may be directed to Westminster Presbyterian Church. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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