- Date Of Birth: September 5, 1919
- Date Of Death: May 10, 2014
- State: Idaho
Mae Alice Gates was born in Orleans Nebraska on Sept. 5, 1919. At age 94 she passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home. Mae was born to Goldie and Vernon Dyas. She was the middle child of five siblings. The oldest was Opal, then Albert, Mae, Darlene and lastly, Vernon. Mae stated that they lived on a farm raising wheat, corn, alfalfa, and oats. They didn’t have much, yet always had enough food on the table. They helped with the chores, both inside and outside; fed the calves and pigs, cleaned the barn and did many other tasks. They all worked hard and loved the outdoors. She recalled, “We rode what we called ‘saddle ponies’ for transportation when I was in my early teens.” She added, “I had a pony that was blind, we called her ‘Pet.’” Mae liked riding whenever she could and rode her dad’s horse in the Nampa fair and the parade. She had a happy childhood and knew her parents loved each other and all of them. She remembered always having a good set of “Sunday” clothes and shoes. The family moved several times finally settling in Idaho. She recalled that when her dad moved from Lexington, Nebraska to Idaho, he didn’t want to leave his manure spreader behind so he towed it all the way with the front wheels in the truck bed.
Mae met her first husband, Robert Walden, at the hotel/coffee shop in Lexington, Nebraska. Connie Jo was her first born. They later moved to North Platte. Steve was later born in La Grande, Oregon. They later moved to Wheatland, Wyoming and opened a restaurant there. Later they were divorced and Mae met and married Glen Gates. Glen worked for Mountain Bell and they traveled all over Utah, Wyoming and finally settling in Idaho. After Linda and Carolynn were born, Mae and Glen bought a home in Boise. Glen liked to hunt and sometimes Mae went along. They stayed in their camper and the girls stayed home with grandparents. Mae actually got a deer one year. Vern (brother) and Betty came up for the day to hunt with them outside of McCall.
Mae worked at the Western Cafe as a waitress and cashier, She also waitressed and cashiered at Vic’s cafe. Connie was in high school at the time and she remarked that I was always an excellent waitress and a great “people person.” She sold AVON door to door, then she worked selling restaurant supplies. She would travel as far as McCall, Weiser, and other places in the Treasure Valley. She worked with an aerial photographer doing the mapping as they flew and photographed.
In1979, she went to Europe with her friend, Shirley and niece, Sandra. Her son, Steven and his wife Marilyn lived in Italy at the time on a mission. Steve met Marilyn at Bible College and they loved traveling and doing their missionary work together. She saw all the famous sights in Rome and particularly liked the Sistine Chapel. When in Rome, they enjoyed going to the street market where the vendors sold practically everything. Her favorite country was Switzerland because it was beautiful and she liked the people. She enjoyed shopping in Paris and Germany. The trip ended with time with Steve, Marilyn and their three children in Rome.
Mae bowled on the Boise Women’s Bowling League. She enjoyed bowling but gave it up when she started working and had to choose one activity which was pool. During retirement, Mae played pool on several leagues. She had many trophies that she enjoyed. She loved playing pool and played until she physically couldn’t play anymore which was age 85. She also spent many late evenings and weekends playing cards and snacking with Aunt Emma Lee and other family members.
Mae was preceded in death by her parents, Goldie and Vernon Dyas. She was the last of her siblings, Opal Olson, Albert Dyas, Darlene Marquiss and Vernon Dyas. Mae also survived the death of her daughter, Linda Gates Clark and Glen Gates, her husband. She is survived by her children;
daughter, Connie Jo Foster (Gene Enzminger), grandchildren are Teresa Peterson White (Mike) Nampa, ID, JoAnn Peterson Farrell (Mike) Omaha, NE, Ron Peterson (Jane) Meridian, ID, Paul Peterson (Laura) Boise, ID, Robin Ann Foster Middleton, ID, Rebecca Lee Troxell Cheyenne, WY, and Steven Foster (Jolinda) Mammoth Hot Springs, WY Yellowstone National Park. Also surviving are great-grandchildren Eric White, Justin Farrell and Jordan Farrell, Anthony, Chris, Tim and Veronica Peterson, Kevan and Dylan Peterson, Roger and Austin Kimball and Ryan Foster, Grace Troxell, Cody, Caleb and Kayla Foster, and five great-great-grandchildren. Hannah, Aidynne, Eli, Lance and Layla. She was preceded in death by great-grandson Joshua Farrell. Son, Robert Steven Walden “Steve” (Marilyn) Linden, NJ, grandchildren are Joel Walden Los Angeles, CA, Melanie Walden Simpson (Steve) Fort Worth, TX, Wendy Walden Noren (Evan) Fort Worth, TX and Seth Walden Denton, TX and three great-great-grandchildren, Emily Grace, Scott Allen and Alana Jane. Daughter, Carolynn Gates, granddaughter Margo Copeland, great-grandson Gabriel, great-granddaughter Audrey. Granddaughter JoAnn Holden, great-grandson Riley, great-grandson Dalton, and great-granddaughter Alice. Linda’s son, Justin Gates, great-grandson Jason Gates, great-great-grandson Ashton. Great-granddaughter Mariah Gates, great-grandson Elijah Gates. She is also survived by her dear sister-in-law Emma Lee Dyas, special friend Clarence, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and many, many loved ones.
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