Margaret E. (Peck) Gates, age 79, of Union City died Monday November 2, 2009 of natural causes with her loving family at her side.

Margaret was born on April 7, 1930 in Union City to J. Harold Peck and Lena Lucille (Gwinn) Peck. Margaret was a lifelong resident of Union City and graduated from Union City High School in 1947. After high school she attended Michigan State College and then married Lyle A. Gates.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Lyle and their son Ray E. Gates.

She is survived by her daughters Lois (David) Johnson of Niles, Michigan, Doris (Jeffrey) Priest of Union City, Michigan, her brother Robert Peck of Haleyville, Alabama, and her sister Martha (Donald) Shipe of Ashley, Indiana. Margaret had 5 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Margaret retired from the Coldwater Community Hospital dietary department in 2002 after 36 years of employment. Margaret enjoyed crafts, volunteering for 4-H, and was an avid gardener. She will be remembered for the 10 years she and Lyle ran Hill Top Gardens Greenhouse from their home in Union City.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Lakeland health care system and Lakeland Hospice for their excellent care and support.

Friends may call at the Spencer Family Funeral Home in Athens where the family will be present from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Thursday November 5, 2009.

Funeral Services will be Friday November 6 at 2:30p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Collin Seitz officiating.

Burial: Riverside Cemetery, Union City, Michigan.

Memorials may be directed to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Spencer Family Funeral Home, Athens.

To share memories please visit www.spencerfamilyfuneralhome.com