Mary Ellen Gates, 97, of Elkhorn City, KY passed away Thursday, September 03, 2026 at her residence. Mary was born May 06, 1929 at Van Lear, KY to the late Walter Clarence and Emily Deel Burke. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, James Junior Gates, one brother: Eugene Burke and two sisters: Geraldine Belcher and Dorthy Brown.

She is survived by two sons Walter Gates of Elkhorn City, KY and John Gates of Valley City, North Dakota and one sister-in-law Mary Mullins. Mary was a member of the Elkhorn City Church of Christ and a bookkeeper.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 08, 2026 at the Bailey Funeral Home Chapel. Friends may call from 6 -10 PM. The funeral will be conducted Wednesday, September, 09, 2026 at 11:00 AM from the Bailey Funeral Home Chapel with Jim Ed Beclher and Chris Maynard officiating. Burial will follow at Dow Brooks Cemetery, Draffin, KY.