Patricia “Patty” Marie Gates, 68, went to her heavenly reward on February 27, 2023, at home in Owasso, OK, surrounded by family, friends & pets. Patty was born October 29, 1954, in Kansas City, KS, to Lucille (Bele) & James Roza. She lived in Overland Park, KS; Emporia, KS; Belton, MO; Springfield, MO; & Owasso, OK. She attended Shawnee Mission South High School in Overland Park, KS. Patty met her future husband, Bill Gates, at the Breakaway Yacht Club, Table Rock Lake, MO.
Patty was CEO & President of Riley Marketing, Springfield, MO, & Vice-President of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce. She received the Club Achievement Award from the Springfield Advertising Association, the Economic Impact Award from the Springfield Business Journal, the Green County Young Republic of the Year Award in 1986, & numerous other professional achievements.
She gave generously of her time to several organizations, including pet shelters, American Heart Association & many other charities. Patty was dedicated to her children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter. She really enjoyed her pets, along with international traveling, baking, cruising, shopping, reading, painting, casinos, & boating at The Harbor, Table Rock Lake.
Patty was preceded in death by her parents, brother Paul Roza, & sister Linda (Roza) Dickman. She is survived by her loving husband of 30 years, Bill Gates; son Jason Riley; daughter Angela Riley; sister Sharon Roza Brown (Daniel); 3 grand children, Hanna (Jordan) Williams, Charlie Sanders, & Griffin Sanders; precious great granddaughter Rynn Alexandria Williams; 2 nephews, Paul (Sarah) Dickman, St. Joseph, MO, & Brandon (Dixie) Dickman, Republic, MO; family pets, Zero, Milo, MoonBeam, Daisy, Stormy; & numerous cousins.
Mass of Christian Burial will be March 8, 2023, at 10 am at St. Henry Catholic Church, 8500 N. Owasso Expressway, Owasso, OK 74055. Visitation 1 hour prior to the Mass. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery, Owasso, OK.
