Linda Lou Gates, 88, of Bedford, Indiana, passed away on Monday, August 10, 2026, at Indiana University Hospital in Bloomington. She was born on September 27, 1937, in Bedford, to the late Harold and Dorothy Smith Covey. On April 27, 1957, she married Kenneth Gates, and he survives.

Linda graduated from Bedford High School with the class of 1955 and later retired from JCPenney after several years of dedicated service. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church and had also been a member of the American Women's Baptist Ministry (AWBM) and the Bedford Hiking Club. Linda was an outstanding cook and took great pride in caring for her beautiful peony bushes. She remained close to many of her former coworkers throughout the years and treasured those lasting friendships. She was also a devoted supporter of her family, rarely missing an opportunity to watch her children and grandchildren play sports. She enjoyed watching sports herself and could often be found cheering on her favorite teams. Above all, Linda loved her family dearly and cherished the time spent together, creating memories that will be treasured by those who knew and loved her.

Surviving to cherish Linda's memory is her husband, Kenneth Gates; son, Kris (Melody) Gates; and grandchildren, Kitch Gates, Keenan (Kenzi) Gates, Jacklyn (Ethan) Reynolds, Chelsey Tolbert, Zachary (Jackie) Tolbert, Candice (Adam) Blackwood, and Amanda Gates; also several great grandchildren; one brother William Covey; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Dorothy Smith Covey; son, Kevin Gates; sisters, Olivia "Tia" Bridwell and Colleen Hall; brothers-in-law, Jack Bridwell and Charles Hall; and sister-in-law, Colleen Covey.

Services for Linda will be held on Monday, August 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, with Pastor Jason Filler officiating. Burial will take place on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Cresthaven Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held on Monday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service at 5:00 p.m. at the church.

The staff of Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne Family Funeral Homes is honored to have been chosen to care for Linda and her family.

Memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church Kids.

Memories and condolences may be shared, and flowers may be ordered at www.ThorneFunerals.com.