Barbara Gates passed away in East Grand Rapids on January 18, 2018. The former Barbara Lee VanderWerf was born in Grand Rapids on December 6, 1924, the daughter of John and Marian (Kornoelje) VanderWerf. She married the late Vernon Gates on November 24, 1942, and they lived for many years in Coopersville, where she was a member of the PTA, Fire Belles, and the American Legion Auxiliary. She taught yoga and was retired from the Michigan Masonic Grand Lodge in Grand Rapids. Surviving her are her children, Virginia and Michael Huffman; David and Joanne Gates; James and Carol Gates; Susan and Lee Davis; Robert and Joyce Gates; one sister, Mary and William Smith; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild and many nieces. Preceding her in death were her parents; her brother, Lloyd and LaVonne VanderWerf; her sisters, Florence and Norman Kessler, Janice and Donald Bruce; and one grandson, Adam Gates. A memorial service will be held at a later date