Charlotte K. Gates
Charlotte K. Gates
Charlotte K. Gates, 87, formerly of Mt. Eagle, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at Embassy at Hearthside Rehabilitation Center in State College.
Born Aug. 3, 1938, in Lock Haven, she was the daughter of the late Robert L. and Amy (Miller) Bottorf.
On March 8, 1956, in Lock Haven, she married Thomas A. Gates, who survives and resides in State College. Together, they shared more than 70 years of marriage, devotion and cherished memories.
Charlotte attended Lock Haven High School and dedicated her life to her family as a loving wife, mother and homemaker. She was a faithful attendee of Faith United Methodist Church in Bellefonte.
A talented and creative woman, Charlotte was known for her artistic spirit. She operated Charlotte’s Ceramic Shop for many years and was a familiar vendor at the Centre County Grange Fair, where she shared her handcrafted creations with the community. Charlotte had a remarkable gift for transforming simple materials into beautiful works of art.
She was also known for her love of cooking and baking, especially her famous coconut cream pies. When Charlotte baked, she rarely made just one or two pies. She often made 15 to 20 at a time to share with family and friends. Her kitchen was a place of warmth, generosity and love.
Above all, Charlotte treasured time spent with her family. Her grandchildren were truly the apple of her eye, and she delighted in celebrating their accomplishments and milestones. Charlotte and Tom also opened their hearts and home to numerous Fresh Air children throughout the years, forming lifelong friendships with many of the children and their families.
In addition to her husband, Thomas, Charlotte is survived by her three children, Cindy K. Kling, of Stormstown, Randy R. Gates, of Bellefonte, and Amy L. Wheeler, of State College; 10 grandchildren, Nathan (Jessie), Curtis (Kelly), Rebecca (Billy), Adam, Eric (Emilie), Megan (Travis), Amanda, Gregory (Lisa), April (Josh) and Alison (Alan); 11 great-grandchildren; and her siblings, Richard Bottorf and his wife, Evelyn, of Texas, James Bottorf and his wife, Brenda, of Lock Haven, Larry Bottorf and his wife, Barbara, of Lock Haven, Jack Bottorf and his wife, Suzy, of Lock Haven, Jerilyn Duck, of Lock Haven, and Roberta Bechdel, of Bellefonte. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Glenn Condo, of Lock Haven; a sister-in-law, Sandy Bottorf, of Lock Haven; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Along with her parents, Charlotte was preceded in death by her son, Thomas R. Gates; her brothers, Peewee, Dorcy, Dean and Merle Bottorf; and her sister, Patricia Condo.
Family and friends will be received on Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 10 a.m. until noon, at Daughenbaugh Funeral Home in Milesburg. A funeral service will follow at noon with Pastor Dan Christopher officiating. Charlotte will be laid to rest at Eagle Cemetery, Old 220 Road, Howard, Pa.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Eagle Cemetery Association, c/o James Wetzler, 121 Richmond Road, Bellefonte, PA 16823.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc., Milesburg. An online guestbook may be signed and condolences shared with the family at the funeral home’s website.