With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Catherine Jean “Cathy” Gates on May 26, 2026 at the age of 71.
Cathy was born on March 2, 1955 in Drain to Lois Lela Hollamon and Joseph David Hollamon.
During her teenage years she lived in Bellfountain with her sister, Nancy Reader and brother-in-law, Jerry Reader, years she remembered fondly throughout her life. She graduated from Monroe High School in 1973.
Shortly after high school Cathy moved to Eugene, where she married Allan Gribskov and welcomed three children, Bridgett, Lela, and Allan “AJ.” In 1990, Cathy and her children moved to Ione. She married Bob Gates on Oct. 9, 1992. Together they welcomed their daughter Mary, and Ione remained her home for the rest of her life.
Throughout her working years Cathy held many jobs but spent most of her career with the Morrow County School District as a special education assistant. She had a natural gift for working with children and made a positive impact on the lives of many students.
Cathy enjoyed gardening and spent her free time tending to her many beautiful flowers. She was known for her warmth, friendliness, and rarely being seen without a cup of coffee. Above all, she loved spending time with her family and took great pride in her children and grandchildren.
Cathy was baptized on April 3, 1994 at Ione Community Church. Her faith remained important to her throughout her life. Following a cancer diagnosis in 2025, she faced treatment with determination and positivity, inspiring all who witnessed her journey.
Cathy is survived by her husband, Robert “Bob” Gates; her children, Bridgett Aldritt (Mike), Lela Gribskov, Allan “AJ” Gribskov (Jacque), and Mary Gates-Beauchemin (Craig); her grandchildren, Peighton Foos, Madison Aldritt, Annabelle Homer, Morgan Aldritt, Jaxson Gribskov, Halle Gribskov, and Clara Beauchemin; her siblings, Nancy Reader, Lou Young, Raymond Hollamon, Julie Walls, and Anita Peterson; and her beloved dogs, Huck and Sawyer.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lois and Joseph Hollamon; her brothers, Ronald Hollamon and Richard Hollamon; her sister, Sandra Fitzgerald; and her brother-in-law, Jerry Reader.
A memorial service will be held at Ione Community Church on Saturday, June 20 at 11 a.m. followed by lunch at the Ione Legion.
Please share your memories of Cathy with her friends and family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
