Esther Marie Gateff

Born September 20, 1934, in Chilton, Texas, to Jesus and Barbara Ortiz, Esther was one of seven daughters and two sons. Esther had many happy family memories of early life in Texas, most especially family trips to Mexico, making tamales with her mother and sisters

for Christmas Eve, and playing the organ during Mass at St. Francis Catholic Church in Waco.

Esther met the love of her life, Eli Gate􀆯, then a young lieutenant stationed at James Connally Air Force Base in Texas. They married, raised four children, and made homes across the country. She embraced each move as an opportunity to make friends and

explore new places. Proud to serve her country and be part of the Air Force family, she volunteered to support individuals with special needs and through the O􀆯icers’ Wives Club. Esther delighted in motherhood, homemaking, and hosting celebrations. A gifted

artist and craftswoman, she filled her home with inviting aromas and beautiful creations, making every holiday festive and welcoming. She enjoyed music, her favorite sporting events, movies, dancing, and reading, embracing all life had to o􀆯er. We will miss her dearly and remember both her perseverance through hardship and the happiness she shared with her husband, children, and grandchildren.

Esther is survived by her husband, Eli D. Gate􀆯; three children, John M. Gate􀆯 (wife, Carrie) of Frisco, Texas, Tammy Perrone (husband, Greg) of Argyle, Texas, and Eli M. Gate􀆯 (wife,

Wendy) of Woodbridge, Virginia; eight grandchildren, Jennifer Gate􀆯 of Frisco, Texas, Jessica Gate􀆯 of Yukon, Oklahoma, Miles Gate􀆯 of Frisco, Texas, Samuel Perrone of New York, New York, Anna Perrone (husband, Je􀆯 Caddell) of Rowlett, Texas, Michael Perrone of New York, New York, Mary Perrone (husband, Brady Linebarger) of New York, New York, and Elizabeth Perrone of New York, New York; five great-grandchildren, Madelyn Pearsall, Chloe, Luna and Autumn Garza of Yukon, OK, and Lawrence Linebarger of New York, New York; her sisters, Barbara Vasquez and Mary Lou Martinez of Waco, Texas and many nieces and nephews in Texas and Connecticut. Her beloved son, David Gate􀆯, preceded her in

death.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 4, at 2:45 at Old Post Chapel (Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall). The Rite of Committal and interment will follow at Arlington National Cemetery.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her