In Memory of

Nettie

Mae

Gates

Obituary for Nettie Mae Gates

Nettie Mae Gay Shockey Gates, 99, of Twin Falls, passed away peacefully at home with her loving family by her side on December 28, 2020.

Nettie was born on December 23, 1921, to Curtis & Nellie Bohrn Gay, in Quay, Oklahoma. She was the oldest of six siblings. The family relocated to Idaho July 24th, 1931. During the move, they drove and camped alongside the road on their way to Idaho. The amazing part of the trip is there was 11 adults and children and all their belongings in a single car.

After arriving in Twin Falls, Idaho, Nettie attended local schools. She was introduced to Edward Shockey, the love of her life, by her uncle. Life as she knew it would become quite the adventure. They eloped when she was 15 ½ years old. Edward was quite a bit older and needless to say, Grandpa & Grandma Gay were not pleased with this decision. But after a very short time, Edward (Papa Ed) to those who knew him, was a great addition to the family.

To their union they shared the joy of 5 children, Curtis, Billy, Galen (Ike), Donald (Steve) and Kathy. The family had the opportunity to live in a variety of states, including California, Nevada and their home site in Twin Falls, Idaho. Unfortunately their time was cut short. Papa Ed was killed in a tragic traffic accident in 1965.

In 1971, Nettie met and married OR (Hap) Gates. They shared many adventures together, whether it be trying to catch cattle rustlers to riding snowmobiles and fishing at Magic Reservoir. Hap died in 1980.

Nettie then joined the work force and started filleting fish for Green’s Trout Farm, currently known as Blue Lakes Trout Farm. She worked there for 30 years and met many of her lifelong friends there.
Nettie enjoyed many things from camping, fishing, crocheting and bowling. She was a very competitive card player. Loved to rake in them coins! She always had a sense of humor and just enough of an ornery streak to make life interesting at all times. But most of all, her family was the most important thing in her life. When you left the house, she would always say “hurry back now” as she waved to you from the front step.

She is survived by her children: Curtis (Wilma) Shockey, Billy (Carol) Shockey, Ike (Patty) Shockey, Donald and Kathy Shockey. Many, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren. One granddaughter, Penny Shockey, was always her grandma’s co-hart in crime and would spend the night with “Grams” on a regular basis.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Curtis & Nellie Gay. Two husbands, Edward Shockey and Hap Gates. Siblings: Mercedes, Dewey, Donald, Evelyn, Kate. As well as 3 grandchildren, Mark Shockey, Linda Shockey, Ashley Haskin and one great grandson, Steven Damron.

The service will be held at 2:00 on January 5th, 2021 at White-Reynold’s Funeral Chapel on Addison Ave in Twin Falls, Idaho followed by interment at Sunset Memorial Park. Due to COVID requirements, face masks will be worn by all that attend the service.
If you are unable to attend, a live webcast will be available at 1:50 p.m. on Tuesday, January 5, 2021.

To view the live stream please highlight and search:
https://youtu.be/xJmHJwpLYIU
Or you may click on the "Photo and videos" tab located at the top of this obituary page for a direct link.