Carolyn Jeanette Gates, 66, of Nampa, passed away April 14, 2013, at a local care center. Carolyn was born in Mercedes, Texas, to Richard and Dorothy Ashby.

The family moved to California where she was raised, educated and graduated from Reseda High school in Reseda, Calif., in 1964. On Oct. 22, 1966, she married William Gates and from that marriage four children were born, Diana, Bill, Mike and Steve, William and Carolyn later divorced.

Carolyn worked in nursing homes as a CNA for several years before going back to school where she graduated with an LPN degree in 1989. She continued to work as an LPN in nursing homes in Idaho Falls until moving to Coeur d’Alene where she continued to work as LPN until her retirement in May 2010. In July 2010 she moved to Nampa to be closer to her son and daughter-in-law. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles and playing handheld games.

Carolyn is survived by her children: daughter Diana and Derek McGee of Coeur d’Alene, sons Bill Gates and Nan Ash of Clarkston, Wash., Mike Gates of Jackson, Wyo., and Steve and Catherine Gates of Nampa. Also surviving her are 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brothers, Richard Ashby, Kenneth Ashby and Keith Ashby; sisters, Cindy Paullin and Lucy Leichtle.

A private memorial service was held Saturday, April 20, 2013, at Grace Episcopal Church in Nampa.