Ann Gates

Durango resident Ann (Mattingly) Gates died of cancer Sunday, Feb. 16, 2014, at her home in Durango. She was 56.Also affectionately known as “Annie,” she was born to Bill and Mary Mattingly on Sept. 22, 1957, in Fort Wayne, Ind. She was the fifth of 10 children and graduated from Bishop Luers High School in 1975. After graduation, she moved to Durango to enjoy the mountains, work and pursue college. She met her future husband, Jim Gates, in Durango. In December 1979, the couple married at St. Columba Catholic Church in Durango. Mrs. Gates had worked as a waitress in several restaurants in Durango through the late 1970s, including Panhandler Pies and The Palace. In 1980, the Gateses moved to Carlsbad, N.M. While in New Mexico, Mrs. Gates learned how to weave fine textiles and used her expertise in sewing to start her own handwoven clothing company, Silk Saguaro. The Gates family later moved to Tucson, Ariz., where they spent a decade. Upon returning to Durango in 1990, Mrs. Gates continued her clothing business and began working at Olde Tymers Café, where she worked until her last days. “Ann will be remembered always for her unwavering generosity, thoughtfulness and a huge heart,” her husband said. “Her infectious smile and good humor were always appreciated by family, friends, customers and strangers. She always put everyone else’s needs ahead of her own and was most joyous when helping others.” In addition to surrounding herself with her arts, crafts and weaving, Mrs. Gates was an accomplished tennis player. She enjoyed hiking and riding her bike. She rode her beloved “Earth-Cruiser” nearly every day through Durango’s neighborhoods, on the Animas River Trail and to commute to work through all weather conditions. “Ann and her husband raised three boys in Durango,” according to her family, “and loved supporting them through a multitude of school and sports activities.” Mrs. Gates is survived by her husband of 34 years, Jim Gates, of Durango; sons Patrick Gates, Kevin Gates and Lucas Gates, all of Durango; mother, Mary Mattingly, of Mesa Ariz.; sisters Nancy Anderson of Chandler, Ariz., Sandi Lugiewicz of Gilbert, Ariz., Julie Howard of Diamond Springs, Calif., and Cindi Kuhn of Fort Wayne; brothers Stan Mattingly of Mancos, Bill Mattingly of Tempe, Ariz., Sam Mattingly of Spokane, Wash., and Dan Mattingly and Pat Mattingly, both of Indianapolis; and numerous nephews and nieces. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014, at St. Columba Catholic Church, 1830 East Second Ave., in Durango. (taken from the Durango Herald February 19, 2014 publication)