Bonnie Macilene Hale Gates of Sheridan, Arkansas was born March 24, 1935 at Sheridan, the daughter of the late Jesse Mason Hale and Troy Easley Hale.  She was a member of Lost Creek Missionary Baptist Church and was a retired secretary for Sheridan Elementary School.  She and her husband Sidney were truly the best of friends.  They looked forward to traveling to Branson numerous times a year. She enjoyed cross stitching and making ceramics. She also was an avid collector, particularly of anything associated with Christmas.  She and Sidney loved the fun and challenge of putting puzzles together.

Mrs. Gates died Sunday, November 29, 2020 at Baptist Medical  Center in Little Rock, at the age of 85. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Phyllis McGarrah, and her brother, Dale Hale.

Survivors include her husband of 65 years, Sidney Gates of Sheridan; son-in-law, Danny McGarrah of Sheridan; sister, Ann Carter of Sheridan; sister-in-law, Bivian Hale of Pine Bluff; grandchildren, Bart McGarrah, Leann Brown; numerous great grandchildren; nieces assisting in her care, Joanne Thiess and Connie Harrington. She is also survived by host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Memorials may be made to Lost Creek Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 514, Sheridan, Arkansas 72150.

Funeral service will be 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be prior to the service from 9:00 until service time. Burial will be private.