DUNKIRK – Sharon (Surface) Gates, age 71, of rural Dunkirk, died Wednesday December 31, 2014, at home.  Born on March 23, 1943, she grew up in Albany and was a graduate of Albany High School.  Sharon was a homemaker and worked for several years at Head Start in Dunkirk; she had also worked for Dollar General in Portland and Family Dollar in Dunkirk.  She enjoyed the holidays and spending time with her family.

Survivors include a son: Gary A. Gates (wife: Lysa), Albany, and a daughter: Melissa A. Mumbower (husband: Dane), Dunkirk; three grandchildren: Matthew Munson (wife: Jama), Muncie, Kodi Mumbower, Dunkirk, Paige Mumbower, Dunkirk, and a great-grandchild: Allen Munson, Muncie.

She is preceded in death by her husband, James V. Gates, and her parents: Joseph & Maxine Surface.

Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2015, at Meacham Funeral Service, Albany, with burial following at I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Pennville.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday from 12 until 2 p.m. at the funeral home.

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