Annie Gates was a special wife, daughter, aunt, mother, cousin and sister to our family. Our family always has loved her dearly because of her smile, her silly laugh, her tenacity, her thoughtfulness, her artistic ability, her athletic ability and her self-confidence, to name just a few. Mostly her thoughtfulness toward others, even those she might not have known someone personally. She loved Durango, Panhandler Pies, Old Tymer’s Cafe staff and customers. She loved the Durango townsfolk because she knew they loved her. Most of our family lives out of state, so we had no idea how much she meant to each one of you. Her memorial service was bittersweet. There were so many of you who came and told us such special stories about her that we never knew. How she impacted you personally. She was humble and caring and did so many thoughtful things for each one of you. Our family so appreciated hearing these stories from you at her memorial service and reading the cards sent to Jim, her husband. Then when I read the “Ode to Annie,” I realized she is missed by all of you as much as she is missed by all of us in her family. Your entire town’s thoughtfulness with stories has helped our family during this most difficult time. I know I miss talking to her Wednesday nights. Durango: Thank you for taking such good care of her and loving her so much!
Sandi Lugiewicz-Kilian
Gilbert, Ariz.
