Marian C. Gates

Marian C. Billie Gates, 96, of Genoa, Ohio went home to be in paradise with the Lord Saturday, June 25, 2011, in the Edward & Marion Knight Hospice Center, Perrysburg, Ohio. Billie was born in Fremont, Ohio on April 22, 1915 to Pete and Mary Freeheart, the former of whom gifted her with her proud Cherokee blood. Upon the death of her mother, she was adopted and raised in Point Place by Theodore and Christina Yeslin, and spent her childhood summers walking the shores of Gulfport, Mississippi.. On October 2, 1934 she married Norman Gates, of Clay Center, in Bowling green, Ohio; he died suddenly on February 20, 1980. Billie graduated from Waite High School and attended the former Berkley Beauty School. She then worked for Rudons Beauty Shop and later, Helens Beauty Shop, both in Toledo. Billie was most known as being the beloved Ding-Dong Avon Lady delivering cosmetics, perfumes and smiles for many years. Billie was a member of St. Johns United Church of Christ in Genoa and a past member of the former Gertrude Chapter O.E.S. of Genoa. She loved all her family and the time she spent with them and always put their needs before her own. She liked to travel, especially to Las Vegas to play slots. She enjoyed going to movies, reading, shopping, and going on cruises. She was an avid fan of the former Toledo Storm and the Pittsburg Steelers. Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Cathy & David Norwalk of Genoa, grandchildren, Jeffrey Kristy Norwalk of Genoa, Christopher Nicole Norwalk of Gibsonburg, and two great-grandchildren, Jordan and Bailey, who will forever remember her as Great. Billie was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Norman, and sister, Mabel Mackintosh. A funeral service for Billie will be conducted at 11 AM, Wednesday, June 29, 2011 in St. Johns United Church of Christ, 1213 Washington St. Genoa, OH. Interment will follow the service in the Elliston Cemetery, Elliston, Ohio. Visitation will be in the Robinson-Walker Funeral Home, 501 West St., Genoa, Ohio from 2-4 & 6-8 pm on Tuesday, June 28, 2011. The family suggests that memorial contributions in Billies memory be directed to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, 30000 E. River Rd., Perrysburg, OH, the Allen-Clay Joint Fire District, Station #3, 101 W. Sixth St., Genoa, OH, or St. Johns United Church of Christ, Genoa.