Irene Gates

Irene Gates, 79, of Middletown, Maryland, passed from this life on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at Frederick Health Hospital in Frederick, Maryland.

Born on August 29, 1945, in Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Joe Vencill and Elvinia Vencill (Adkins). She was one of 16 children.

Irene worked for the MCPS food service for over thirty years.

Irene loved spending time with her family, gardening and just being outside. She never met a stranger. She has seen the good in everyone.

She is survived by her loving husband Lawrence Gates, children, Karen Rourke (Michael) Anthony Gates (Janice), Hope Adams (Mark) and Kim Stoops (Toby). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Samantha Wilson, John Rourke (Sydni Biser), Emilie Rourke, Jessie Shultz (Wayne), Hayden Adams, Hunter Stoops and Olivia Stoops, and step-grandchildren, Amy Bush, and Katie Tayler. Great-grand children Teryn Sims, Little Wayne, and Waylon Shultz. Sisters, Shelby Thomas, Nancy Eastridge, Pansy Wingo, brothers, Timmy, Kyle, Darryl, Kenny and a lot of nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter, Denise Ann Gates and grandson James Anthony Gates, sisters Eloise Norcia, Geraldine Perry, brothers Joe Ed, Robert, Steve, Ricky, Donnie and Charlie Vencill.

A celebration of Irene's life journey will take place at a later date. Interment will be private.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Frederick County or any Charity of your choice