WESTFIELD: Ernest A. “Ernie” Gates, 89, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on March 4, 2016. He was born in Springfield to the late Ernest A. and Helen (Roberts) Gates and was a graduate of Westfield High School. Ernie was employed as a Western Regional Parts Manager for John Deere for 40 years before he retired. He was a member of the New Life Christian Center of Westfield, enjoyed stamp collecting, studying stocks and finances on the computer and loved history. Ernie loved his family and his church family as much as they loved him. Ernie was predeceased by his 1st wife Doris Wollschlager Gates in 1999, and is survived by his wife Jeannine T. (Tellier) Gates of Southwick, his three devoted daughters, Laurie L. Gates of Marion, IN, Holly L. Smith of Framingham, MA and Cathy A. Bumgardener of Safford, AZ, his loving stepdaughter, Michele Tougas of Tolland, CT, eight cherished grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Ernie’s funeral will be held on Wednesday at 11AM in the New Life Christian Center Assembly of God, 157 Dartmouth St. Westfield, with burial to follow in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Lockhouse Rd. Westfield. Visiting hours for Ernie will be held on Tuesday from 4-7 PM in the church. Arrangements are under the direction of the Firtion Adams FS, 76 Broad St. Westfield, MA 01085. In lieu of flowers donations in Ernie’s name may be directed to the New Life Christian Center Building Fund, 157 Dartmouth St. Westfield, MA 01085.
