Glenna Irene Gates

Glenna I Gates, 94, of Akron, passed away on February 16, 2024. She was born on December 15, 1929, in Jacksonville, Ohio to the late John and Minnie Southard. She was one of eight siblings. From Jacksonville, she moved to Akron in the 1940s where she met her husband Gerald F. Gates. They married on May 15, 1948, where she crossed the Ohio River Bridge to join her husband. She worked briefly in Akron Public Schools in food service. Glenna was a faithful member of the Tallmadge Church of Christ. She enjoyed the outdoors, walking and cutting the grass.
In addition to her parents, Glenna was preceded in death by her husband Gerald, sisters Ruth, Eileen, Chloela, Alberta, and brother Paul. She is survived by her children Gerald (Becky) Gates, Judy (Frank) Bianchi, Mark Gates, and Daniel Gates; grandchildren Brooke (Alan), Michael (Megan), Justin (Jessica), and Matthew; 9 great-grandchildren; sister Rosemary Seay, and brother John Southard; sister-in-law Betty Firth; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Interment will take place at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.

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