Kathleen Mae (Gates) Porath

Kathleen (Kathie) Gates-Porath, 77, passed away in her Deming home of natural causes.  Kathie was born to Joyce (Ross) and Clifford Gates in La Crosse, Wisconsin on January 18, 1949.  She was a graduate of Central High School and ITT of La Crosse.  She was a military wife and moved often.  It was then she fell in love with the Southwest.  Their last assignment was in Grand forks, North Dakota.  There she raised her boys and welcomed grandchildren.  Her favorite summer activity was vacation trips, first with her children and then with her grandchildren.  Her favorite winter activity was throwing the best Christmas ever.  Her house was the place to be.  After retirement from the University of North Dakota Grand Fork she became a resident of Deming, New Mexico.

She was full of love, life and laughter.  This she shared with everyone around her, at church, playing cards or meeting new people while traveling.  She was dedicated, faithful and selfless.  She was out going, a member of First United Methodist Church, taught Tai Chi at the senior center, gave rides to non-drivers and was active in her community.  She so enjoyed traveling the entire country with her soulmate Frank Dockx.

She was preceded in death by Frank Dockx, Gerry Porath, a sister Sandra Gates and her parents.  She is survived by sons Greg (Michaela), Jason, and Tom (Ally).  Grandchildren Alex (Brooke), Annie and Sam and great granddaughters Peyton and Evelyn.  Also, a sister Jayne Gates and brother Charles Gates.

As per her wishes, cremation has taken place.

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