Margaret Joan “Peggy” Gates was born November 9, 1945 in Omaha, Nebraska, daughter of Rev. Ralph B. and Elizabeth J. “Betty” (Hall) McAuley. She graduated from Sterling High School with the Class of 1963. She attended college at Sterling College, majoring in Elementary and Christian Education, graduating with the Class of 1967. She later attended Wichita State University, receiving her Master’s Degree in Education.

While attending Sterling College, Peggy met John Gates. They were united in marriage on January 28, 1967 at the Presbyterian Church in Sterling, Kansas. This union was blessed with two sons: Rick and Randy. The family made their home in Anthony. Peggy was a city girl turned farming wife and mother. She also taught preschool in the mid to late 70’s in Attica and Anthony.

In 1986, Peggy began working for the Anthony Ministerial Alliance as the manager of the Anthony Thrift Shop. She was a member of the Anthony Christian Church.

On July 5, 2012, Peggy passed away at Via Christi St. Francis in Wichita. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Peggy will be deeply missed by her husband, John of the home in Anthony; her sons, Rick and wife Rebecca of Valley Center and Randy and wife Konnie of Wichita; brothers: Larry McAuley and wife, Linda of Malawi, Africa, Tim McAuley and wife, Kathy, of Lombard, Illinois, and Tom McAuley of Hutchinson; sisters: Jeannie Work and husband, Steve of Quinter, and Beth Mosier and companion Carr Floyd, of Wichita; six grandchildren: Reanna Aiden, and Alana Gates, Billy, Amber Billups, and Lori McHenry; one great grandson Jason McHenry; the McAuley family and Gates family; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Monday at the Anthony Christian Church with Pastor John Schnelle officiating.

Burial will be in Forest Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and from 1:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m. Sunday at Prairie Rose Funeral Home, Anthony.

Memorials in memory of Peggy may be made to the Anthony Christian Church or the Anthony Thrift Shop and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, Inc., 602 E. Main St. ~ Anthony, KS 67003, is in charge of arrangements.