By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
11 Comments
  • Visitation

    Friday, September 6, 2024, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm and
    Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 8:00 to 9:15 am
    at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

  • Service

    Mass of Christian Burial

    Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 10:00 am
    at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Trenton, IL.

  • Full Obituary

    Rosemary M. Gates, 73, of Highland, IL passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

    She was born on December 9, 1950, in Breese, IL, to Ralph and Augusta (nee Haselhorst) Litteken. She married Harry Gates on November 21, 1989, in Greenville, IL.

    Rosemary was a member of St. Paul Catholic church, Highland, IL. She belonged to VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Trenton, IL and Altar Society, St Paul, Highland, IL.

    She went to High School at Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ and stayed for college, attending the convent for 2 years and then realized that wasn’t for her. She returned home and pursued a career at General American Insurance for 25 years, then left and became a Mary Kay Consultant.

    Rosemary loved travelling with her husband. She was an avid softball player at Pic Park and Highland VFW, plus bowling at Hi Top. She loved following her grandchildren’s activities. Rosemary enjoyed crossword puzzles, sudokus and going to lunch with friends and Mary Kay family. She loved watching the Cardinals and Blues.

    Rosemary was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Augusta Litteken and Granddaughter Justice Rose Knebel.

    She is survived by her husband, Harry Gates; children, Craig (significant other, Michelle Carmichael) Knebel, Highland, IL, Brent (Carrie) Knebel, Pocahontas, IL, Chad (Megan) Knebel, Goodyear, AZ, step-daughter, Janelle (Paul) Viessman, Granite City, IL, step-son, Scott (Amanda) Gates, Maryville, IL; grandchildren, Ansley Thurmond, Gavin Knebel, Jaycee Knebel, Cecilia Knebel and Wyatt Viessman; siblings, Richard (Marge) Litteken, Trenton, IL, Carol (Brad) Lee, Edwardsville, IL, Ronald Litteken, Trenton, IL, Lawrence (Jane) Litteken, Trenton, IL and Robert (Donna) Litteken, Trenton, IL; several nieces and nephews.

    Memorial donations can be made to Project Sweet Pea’s Southern IL or Leaps of Love.

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

11 Condolences
 
  1. Sr. Joetta Huelsmann, PHJC / September 5, 2024 at 11:33 am

    I’m so sorry about your loss. Rosie was a fun-loving person. May you know God’s consolation and peace at this time.

  2. Thomas McKeever / September 5, 2024 at 12:18 pm

    Our deepest sympathies at the loss of your dear Rose. She always was and will always remain one of our most favorite GA friends. Her kindness never stopped shining through year after year.

  3. Dolores aka Dee Jansen / September 5, 2024 at 12:28 pm

    Rosemary is a younger cousin. I believe I did see her last year for a ‘cousins’ reunion which she and her siblings hosted. I have lived in Oklahoma since 1968.
    It is always sad to lose a sibling which I have experienced losing my brother Herb. I can’t imagine losing a sister.
    Our prayers go to all her siblings, husband, grandchildren and friends mourning her passing.
    God bless!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
    Dave and Dee (Dolores Haselhorst) Jansen

  4. Sister Kathy Haas PHJC / September 5, 2024 at 1:43 pm

    Dear Harry and family and all in Rosie’s close and extended family:
    Please know that you are all held dearly in prayer at this tough time. For sure, Rosie is experiencing the joy of God’s peace and new life, yet you and many of us are experiencing the loss of the gift she has been in our lives. She will continue to be present but in a different way than we’d prefer. I pray that as she blessed us with her love of life that we can honor her by our living with the joy and love she shared so strongly and generously with us and many others. That helps me and I pray it helps you. Take care of yourselves and I pray God’s peace along with the support of others will help you all in the midst of these days and each day.
    peace,
    Sister Kathy Haas, PHJC

  5. Joanne Newcom / September 5, 2024 at 8:04 pm

    Harry I’m so sorry for your loss! Rose will be smiling down on you! I’ll hold you in my prayers and pray for strength and comfort for you! Rose was a good friend!

    Joanne Newcom

  6. Judith Henss / September 5, 2024 at 8:55 pm

    Bob and Donna, my prayer for you and all of Rosie’s family is that you may be comforted knowing that Rosie is now free from pain. She will always be in your hearts. May the Lord grant you peace. Love, Judy/Sr. Margaret Anne Henss, PHJC

  7. Joyce Oboy / September 6, 2024 at 7:50 am

    Dear Harry, family and friends, I was privileged to be a high school classmate of Rosie or Toots as we called her. As she has been embraced by God, may He hold you in the palm of His hand. With sympathy and prayers, Joyce Oboy class of 68.

  8. Brenda Doherty / September 6, 2024 at 7:54 am

    Harry,
    We never met, but my late husband, Philip Doherty, spoke warmly of “Rosie” Gates. I’m sorry for your and your family’s loss. May your many memories sustain you at this difficult time.
    Sincerely,
    Brenda Doherty
    Boston

  9. SisterMarilyn Haselhorst,PHJC / September 6, 2024 at 9:09 pm

    I know Rosie is at peace with Our Lord. My sympahy to all the family. I hope that our prayers will be a consolation. Since I have ben living in Mexico, I did not have much contact with Rosie in her adult life. However, I spent several summers on the family farm and was the babysitter.
    Sister Marilyn,PHJC

  10. Angie and Jim / September 7, 2024 at 11:49 am

    Our condolences on your loss. She was such an awesome lady and so much fun!

    Jim and Angie Vierling

  11. Henry And Laine Jackson / September 7, 2024 at 7:05 pm

    Dear Harry and Family,
    With a Heavy Heart and our condolences to you and your family. Rose was such a blessing and was always there for the Chad and Megan. She adored those grandkids with all her heart and was always there as they were growing up. We will miss her, and the children will always remember her for the kindness and things she did for them growing up.
    Sincerely,
    Laine and Henry Jackson

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