Dawn B. Gates

Dawn B. Gates, 78, of Chambersburg, PA, passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at her home.

She was born on March 6, 1947, in Chambersburg, PA to the late Carl R. and Mary J. (Heller) Barnes.

Dawn graduated from Chambersburg Area Senior High School and went on to attend Shippensburg State College in Shippensburg, PA. She earned both her Bachelors and Masters degree in Elementary Education. She later went on to work as a teacher for Scotland School for Veterans Children for 35 years until her retirement. Additionally, she coached girls basketball, cheerleading, and was involved in the Girls Club at the school.

Dawn was a very active member at First Lutheran Church in Chambersburg, PA where she served in various capacities. Some of those include the Neighborhood Task Team, usher, assembling the newsletters, etc. Dawn also spent some time as a camp counselor at Camp Nawakwa in Biglerville, PA and served as an officer with the SpiriTrust Lutheran Auxiliary.

She is survived by her husband, whom she married on November 26, 1977, Richard W. “Rick” Gates of Chambersburg, PA; stepson G. Edward Gates (Cathy) of Las Vegas, NV; nephews Doug Potts (Janet) of Joliet, IL; Adam Grove of Chambersburg, PA; nieces Sarah Potts of Huntsville, AL; Lauren Potts; Kristen Potts of Chambersburg, PA; and grandson Dale Gates.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sister Carol Heffley.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the First Lutheran Church, 43 W. Washington Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201 with Pastor Jane Nicholson officiating. Burial will follow in Lincoln Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Friday from 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM at the church.

Condolences and memories may be shared at geiselfuneralhome.com