Maloy Bea Gragg-Gates

Maloy Bea Gragg-Gates, 68, devoted wife, beloved mother and loving sister left this earth after a long illness on August 27th at Palliative CareCenter & Hospice of Catawba Valley. Surrounded by family, she found release after returning to her home state and family for the last time.

Born in Crossnore, February 11, 1944, Maloy was born to Earl Sullivan Gragg and Ganel Mzetta Vance, both deceased. She took her education in Burke County and worked as a Delivery Specialist for Military Car Sales in Germany for 18 years, along-side her husband David.

Diagnosed with COPD and pulmonary sarkidosis in 1998, Maloy ventured a long, arduous journey through her final years but the inspiration of her will to live was unsurpassed. Her desire to be home in the Blue Ridge gave her the strength return from Europe to see her home and her family.

Mrs. Gates is survived by her husband Dave Gates, of Oberursel, Germany, son Jamie Harris, of Crescent City, California, a daughter Leslie Ballreich of Port Clinton, Ohio. In addition, she leaves two sisters, Connie Lewis of Sawmills and Betty Higgins of Glenn Alpine, along with brothers Darwin Gragg and Charles Gragg, both from Morganton. She also leaves six nephews, a niece and a granddaughter, Jenny; and was preceded in death by a younger brother, Larry.

A Memorial Service to Celebrate Her Life will be held 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 31, 2012 in the Chapel of Kirksey Funeral Home in Morganton. The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home.

The family asks donations be made in lieu of flowers to the following who were instrumental in guiding her through her final journey to Stein Hospice of Ohio, http://steinhospice.org/donations.html and Palliative CareCenter & Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, NC 28658, http://www.pchcv.org Click on “Ways to Help”.

Kirksey Funeral Home of Morganton has the honor of serving the family.

On-Line Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kirkseymorganton.com.