Rita Laura Pursley Gates
11/6/1924 - 3/2/2012

Rita Pursley Gates of Clute, Texas went to be with her Lord and Savior on March 2, 2012. Rita was the youngest of 7 daughters and 1 brother, born to Guessipe and Mamie Calo of Palermo, Italy, on November 6, 1924.

Rita married Robert L. Pursley and together they raised 3 children: Robert Wayne, Carol Jean and Joyce Marie. After Robert Lee passed away, Rita married David W. Gates, where they resided in Alvin, Texas until David's passing.

Rita accepted Christ early in life. She attended 1st Assembly of God in Clute, Texas and later Heights Baptist Church in Alvin, Texas.

Rita devoted her life raising her children and always being there to help anyone that needed help. She was an avid 42 player and spent many years enjoying the game with family and friends. Her second love was deer hunting and spent most of the season hunting for that big buck.

Left to cherish her beautiful memory are her children: Robert Pursley (Geri) of Lorena, Texas, Carol Hegwer (Jack) of Elmendorf, Texas and Joyce Gartman (Harold) of Lake Jackson, Texas. Rita also leaves behind 8 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Preceding her in death was her loving husbands, Robert Lee Pursley and David W. Gates, 6 sisters, one brother and her parents.

The family will receive friends 6pm until 8pm Saturday at Lakewood. Funeral services will be 3pm Sunday, March 5, 2012 at Lakewood Funeral Chapel with Rev. Scott Mc Kay officiating.

Pallbearers will be: Kenny Gartman, Robert Gartman, Jack Mooney, Shawn Riley, Charles Devona and Eddie Sanford.

We would like to give a special thank you to the Creekside Village staff that has been so loving, caring and compassionate with our mother. Also, we want to thank AMED hospice who kept us informed and mother comfortable.

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