Graveside services for Rhonda Gates will be held Monday, March 31, at 1:00 pm at the Hale Cemetery in Christian County.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her honor to continue her mission of sharing God’s word by giving to OCR Church of Christ, P.O. Box 217 Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763 with ‘Bibles for Africa’ designated.
Rhonda Denise Gates, a beloved daughter, sister, devoted friend, and faithful servant of Christ, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and generosity.
She is survived by her mother, Dorothy Shemwell Gates, and her brother, Roger K. Gates. She also leaves behind her two cherished cats, Sarah Palin and Tuna, as well as her lifelong friends, Norma Scheller, Sandra Skrabut, Angie Tatum, Preston White, and Godson Browder Calvin Warren – who all were like family to her.
Rhonda was a graduate of Murray State University, where she earned both a bachelor's and a master’s degree. Though her education was in psychology, she found her calling on the road, working as a truck driver for PTL. She was a driver for over 16 years before transitioning into a dispatch operator role, where she continued to excel throughout her career.
A devout Christian, Rhonda was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and after moving to Murray, KY attended Hope Harbor Church. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, and through her dear friend and favorite pastor, Dorian Flynn of Partners for Africa, she played a vital role in providing Bibles to families in Africa and to those she encountered who were in need of God’s word.
Rhonda was also a devoted animal lover, sharing her life with many beloved pets over the years. She was preceded in death by her childhood dogs, Toto, Flip, Trixie and Bear, as well as her cherished cats, Butch and Sweetie.
She was also preceded in death by her father, Homer C. Gates, her beloved grandmother, Ermie Shemwell; her maternal grandfather, Walter Shemwell; and her paternal grandparents, Effie and Beckham Gates.
Rhonda’s kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith touched the lives of many.
