V. Hope Gates

V. Hope Gates, 89, of Candie Lane, Plymouth, died at her home at 4:15 p.m., on Tuesday, October 7, 2003.
For many, Hope will be honored and remembered as the pianist and organist for her church, the First United Methodist. Her extraordinary talent for music inspired and touched the lives of many.
She was born in LaPaz, Ind., the daughter of John and Dora Kaiser Hildebrand and had lived in Plymouth for most of her life.
A graduate of Plymouth High School and Indiana University, she was affiliated with Pi Beta Phi, a national sorority. She served as secretary of the Association of Women Students during her college years.
Hope began her teaching career in 1934, near Argos, Ind., and taught in the Plymouth Community School system for 27 years, retiring in 1977.
In 1937, Hope and Murel E. Gates were married. Murel died in 1983.
In the First United Methodist Church, she served on many committees, was Junior Choir director, a member of the choir and pianist and organist. She was a member of Tri Kappa Associates, Eastern Star, Indiana Retired Teachers’ Association, the Holy Cross Parkview Hospital Auxiliary and the Marshall County Cancer Association.
In addition to her musical skills, Hope enjoyed doing needle work, cross-word puzzles, shell craft and working with ceramics.
Hope is survived her two children: John R. and Cindy Gates of Punta Gorda, Fla., and Marcia Holloway of Plymouth.
Three grandchildren also survive: Lance and Jennifer Gates of Tampa, Fla.; Derek Holloway, Mishawaka, Ind., and Tara and Brandon Reilly, South Bend, Ind.
One great-granddaughter, Lauren Holloway, Mishawaka, and a sister, Faith M. Rupley of Granbury, Texas, survive as well.
Hope was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Murel.
Friends may call at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth, on Friday, October 10, 2003, from 4 to 8 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2003, in the funeral home. The Rev. Dr. Dean Fager, pastor of her church and Joanne Boys, former assistant to the pastor, will officiate.
Burial will be in New Oakhill Cemetery, Plymouth, Ind.
Memorial gifts in Hope’s memory may be given to a charity of the donor’s choice.