Mary Lou Gates

Mary Lou Gates, age 86, of Lyons, Colorado, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Lou, as she was affectionately known, lived life to the fullest despite the challenges of Parkinson’s Disease, filled with love, grace, generosity and joy.

Family members welcoming her to Heaven included her parents, Marvin and Valeda Anna, and Evelyn Anna; her sister Peggy Collaros; her brother-in-law Jim Pickard; and sister-in-law Mary Anna. Still here, holding loving memories of their time together, are her devoted husband of 66 years, Harvey; her daughter Kristen Christiansen and husband Cory of Lyons, CO; her son Todd Gates and wife Paula of Fort Collins, CO; her grandchildren Zachary and Katelyn Christiansen, Kylen and Joshua Anderson, Caleb Christiansen, Esme Gates, and Finn Gates; her brothers Terry Anna (Carolyn) of Fort Collins, CO, and Cliff Oxley (Del) of Beaver Falls, PA; and her sister Marie Pickard of Bigfork, MT.

Lou’s love story with Harvey began at Los Alamos High School in New Mexico. She, the bright and accomplished student, wasn’t sure about the creative and adventurous boy who liked to read comic books and eat her mom’s cookies, but asked him to the Sadie Hawkins Dance anyway. It wasn’t long before they were going steady. They married in 1958, forging a union that stood the test of time and served as an incredible example of love and commitment.

A graduate of the University of New Mexico, Lou earned her degree in business education while working as the secretary to the Director of Athletics at UNM, and then taught at Rio Grande High School. After moving to Colorado in 1962, Lou taught at Arapahoe High School, and then served as Secretary to the Superintendent and Board of Education for Arapahoe County School District Number Six—all while earning her master’s degree at the University of Denver. Her dedication to service was unwavering, with a heart for mentoring and teaching.

Lou and Harvey shared a love for the mountains—backpacking, skiing, and ice skating. Their journey took them from New Mexico to Colorado, Virginia, and back again, always with a heart for ministry and community. In Lyons, CO, Lou substitute taught at the local high school, coordinated many youth activities, led 4H, and sponsored school clubs, welcoming families into her home with unmatched hospitality.

In 1991, Lou joined Ravencrest Chalet, a Torchbearers International Bible school and conference center near Estes Park, where she served faithfully as a secretary and administrator for many years. She eventually focused on the larger Torchbearers ministry, serving the founders and the General Director. Her work with Torchbearers was the highlight of her professional life, and she continued to serve faithfully until her retirement in 2015.

Lou was known for her gifts of administration, encouragement, and hospitality. She radiated her strong Christian faith and touched countless lives through teaching, mentoring, and volunteering. Her warmth was felt at every breakfast, picnic, game night, and holiday gathering she hosted. She found great joy in spending time with her grandchildren—camping, crafting, and playing with them. Her legacy lives on in their laughter, their love of nature, and their faith.

Though Lou will be profoundly missed, her loved ones are thankful for her life reflecting God’s love and faithfulness. The ripples from her love for others are evident far and wide.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Lou’s honor to Torchbearers International at https://torchbearers.org. A memorial service will be planned at a later date.