October 27, 1939 - April 29, 2025
Barbara Jean Gates, 85, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2025 in Stockton. She was the daughter of the late Otto and Laura Muller.
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Donald Giudice; sister, Helen Wigginton; brother, William Muller, and sister, Florence Walker.
She is survived by her husband, John Gates; daughter, Deborah (James) Ferrari; daughter, Pamela (Delbert) Pier; and her four grandchildren, Joseph Ferrari, Nicholas Ferrari, Susanne Andresen, and Eric Andresen.
Barbara grew up on Roberts Island and attended Tracy High School. The joy of her early life was horse riding with her father and she carried her passion for horses all her life. She married in 1957 and proceeded to become a homemaker and mother of two. Barbara was an excellent seamstress and a good cook, known especially for her baking. After raising her family and retiring from a career in the insurance industry, Barbara enjoyed bicycling with her husband, Don, volunteering at church, and spending time with her dear girl friends. She remarried in her later years, and loved ballroom dancing and traveling with John. Her beautiful smile, her kindness, her quick wit, and her zest for life will be remembered.
SERVICE
A graveside memorial service will be held at Cherokee Memorial Park on May 9, 2025 at 10:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of San Joaquin.
Please leave your condolences below.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Gates family.