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Carol Jean Gates, 74, passed away in her Grand Coulee, Washington home Wednesday morning, January 31, 2024, her husband David by her side.

She entered this world as "Miss Carol Olsen" on Tuesday December 20, 1949 in Spokane, Washington.

In Moses Lake, Washington, on Saturday, July 13, 2002, Carol married David Gates of Grand Coulee.

Carol held various employment positions including as a bartender and most recently doing daycare out of her home. She was involved with the Grand Coulee, Senior Center, where she was a strong supporter of "Meals On Wheels" and animal rescue work.

To say that Carol loved animals would be an understatement! She never met an injured and/or homeless creature which she didn't immediately take in and nurture, including nursing by hand - a newly born pigeon squab which David found. Carol was also an avid reader with some of her favorites being; "Clan of the Cave Bear" and books by Stephen King.

Above all, Carol loved children especially her grandkids...whom she could never get enough of.

Predeceased by her brothers: Jim & John Olsen, Carol is survived by her loving husband of 22 years: David Gates; son, Jason Olsen (Lacee); daughter, Jennifer Whitney; grandchildren: Odin Olsen, Kayla Jackson, Haley Whitney, Peyton Whitney and Callie Begs; great-grandchildren: Zayden Jackson and Charlotte Jackson and her sister, Patricia Harrison.

Her family will announce a memorial service at a future date.

Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee, Washington is caring for her family.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://www.stratefuneral.com for the Gates family.