Eva "Janine" Gates, age 67, of Battlefield, MO, passed away peacefully in her home on February 6, 2021 surrounded by her family.

The funeral service will be held at White Chapel Memorial Gardens in Springfield, MO on Friday February 12, 2021.  Visitation will be from noon to 2:00 PM followed by graveside services for immediate family.

Janine was born in New Hampton, Iowa on August 11, 1953 before moving to Monett, MO at the age of 3. She was baptized on September 6, 1953 at St Peter's Lutheran Church of Richfield in Sumner, Iowa.  She was confirmed at St John's Lutheran Church in Monett. MO.

She graduated from Pierce City High School in 1971 before getting married and having children.  During High School she played the clarinet and oboe in concert and marching band.  She was a drum major and also sang in the choir.

Janine married Billy Gates of Aurora, MO. on September 18, 1971 at St John's Lutheran Church in Monett, MO. They met on a blind date that was set up by Billy's brother Gene.  They moved to Springfield for Billy's employment before having their first child and moving to Battlefield, MO. They both enjoyed riding motorcycles, camping, and fishing.  They were married for 49 years.

Janine worked as the Church Secretary at Faith Lutheran Church for 10 years. In her spare time, she spent many hours baking apple and cherry pies for church fundraisers. While she never made squash pie for church, that was one of her specialties at home.  After her job at the Lutheran Church, she began a 29-year career for Mercy Hospital as an Administrative Assistant.

Janine loved watching and supporting her grandchildren in everything they did including church, school, and other extracurricular activities. It did not matter if it was hot or cold, windy, or rainy.  She was determined to be involved in whatever they were doing.  She always said she needed to spend time with them while she could.  She would watch soccer, baseball, football, and wrestling even though she did not understand any of it.  She sat through many school and church plays.  She also helped with Vacation Bible School to spend time with the grandkids.

Janine is survived by husband Billy Gates, son Brandon Gates (Alisa Garbisch), daughter Bethany Gates (Trenton Jones), granddaughter Rebekkah Gates, grandson Zachary Gates, sister Lynda Endicott, sister Carolyn Kleiboeker (Glennon), Wynette Quade (Tony), as well as lots of family and friends.

Janine is preceded in death by both of her parents Royce and Elaine Ashley, and her brother Leon Ashley.