Constance Jo Gates

Constance Jo Connell Gates, 97, known as Connie and Jo during her childhood, will be remembered for her positive outlook, bright sense of humor, generosity towards others and her love and curiosity for all things family and friends.

Born April 4, 1929 in Hillsboro, Oregon, Connie grew up on her family's farm, Twin Fir Farm, a few miles east of North Plains, Oregon. She and her younger sisters, Grace and Jane Connell went to grade school at Jackson School. Connie graduated from Hillsboro High School, class of 1947.

After high school she attended Oregon State University. During summers in high school and college she worked at the Pine Tavern Restaurant in Bend, Oregon. She later worked as a bookkeeper for Zenner Meats in Portland, Oregon.

She loved riding horses, and along with a friend would ride from the farm into Hillsboro and back to get ice cream. Connie was involved in 4H for many years and learned advanced sewing and cooking skills.

Connie married John Wesley Gates (Wes) March 27, 1954 in the Hillsboro United Methodist Church. They lived in the Leisyville area and built a house on the Gates family farm in 1972 where she lived until her passing. Connie helped her husband Wes farm by driving truck during the harvest season and by driving tractor. She did the bookkeeping as well. Connie did the cooking for Wes and her family and was an expert at canning peaches and other farm skills. She set an example as a hard worker while thoroughly enjoying life on the farm. She was a true farmer's wife.

She loved having her children, grandchildren and a great grandson nearby. She had fun at all the family gatherings over the years. Some of her favorite things in life were reading mysteries, especially ones about cats, watching sports, especially basketball - Go Gonzaga!, game shows, Perry Mason, taking pictures, walking with friends, shopping, Christmas, chocolate, Wriggleys gum, applesauce, lefse and ice cream! She also loved traveling,especially to the Bechen family reunions at Camp Sherman and Sunriver.

Connie was a member of the Leisy Schefflin Study Unit with FCE - Family Community Education Association 1970-2026. She was a founding member of P.E.O. Chapter CT of Hillsboro 1953-2026.

She is survived by her children, Annette Gates, Rebecca Ferguson (Guy Ferguson) and Spencer Gates (Pam Gates) of Hillsboro, four grandchildren Duncan Gates, Allison Gates, Emma Ferguson and Sophie Ferguson, great grandson Wesley Gates, sisters Grace Scott and Jane Melhuish (Pete Melhuish) and sister in law Judy Goldmann, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and her three cats Maxi, Monkey and Mini.

Interment in the Fir Lawn Memorial Park has taken place.

Donations in Connie's memory can be made to Oregon Humane at oregonhumane.org or to a charity of your choice.