Mercedes Baking Gateley

MERCEDES B. GATELEY age 105.11, peacefully left to be with the LORD December 23, 2025.

Born January 18, 1920, in Bacolor, Pampanga, Philippine Island of Luzon. To parents Andres and Severina Nicdao. Sister to 8 siblings. Three of the brothers lived well over100yrs of age. Growing up on ranch and farm, the family raised all their needs for her large family.

Married William E. Gateley, Sr. From Greenbrier AR, twice, once a Catholic ceremony in December 1943 during WW II then again on military post April 1945 at end of war. A little-known fact was that Mercedes and many of her brothers fought alongside her husband and the United States Army GI’s. She only left his side when she was closer to delivering their firstborn.

From the Philippines to California to Hot Springs AR to Ft. Hood, Texas to Georgia then to Mesquite, TX. Mercedes and William grew their family to six children.

Mercedes was a seamstress by trade. She worked in Downtown Dallas, Texas at Stockton Manufacturing Company for 14 years. Her greatest enjoyment was gardening. She raised a large family on what she gardened and what they could afford in groceries. She also enjoyed bowling, painting scenes on canvas, and ceramics. She loved her friends well and they too loved her well. She was saddened as they left before her. Mercedes was a longtime resident in Mesquite and a loyal member at St. Philip Catholic Church in Dallas Texas since 1960.

We will remember and miss dearly Mom, Auntie Ding, Dee, Ding, Grandma, Grandma Ding and Gama to the littlest. She did what she could and loved us well.

Mercedes is preceded in death by husband William Edward Gateley, Sr., sons William Edward Gateley, Jr. and Larry Thomas Gateley. Two Grandsons, Donald Dwayne Maxwell, infant and Clinton Edward Snider, son-in-law Travis Maxwell and daughter-in-law Carol Gateley. Her parents Andres Nicdao and Severina Baquing-Nicdao, eight siblings Violeta B. Nicdao, Felisa N. Lapid, Glizeria B. Nicdao. Amado B. Nicdao, Lorenzo B. Nicdao, Pedro B. Nicdao, Pablo B. Nicdao and little sis Agustina B. Fletcher.

Mercedes is survived by her four daughters, Brenda G. Maxwell, Gloria G. Smith and husband Steve, Celia G. Jones and husband Tom, and Arlene G. Moseley and husband Terry.

Grandchildren, Michael Maxwell, Kristie Morton, Steven Maxwell, Jennifer Gateley, Angela Snider, Jeffrey Gateley, Linda Maxwell, Kyle Moseley, Brandi Kraus, Cody Moseley, Bryan Jones.

Thirty-seven great-grands and Twenty-one great-greats. Many nephews and nieces here in United States and the Philippines.

A Memorial Service and Inurnment is scheduled on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 3:00pm at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy., Dallas, TX 75211