Barbara Gates

Mrs. Barbara Jean Gates, 73, of New Market, died on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at Frederick Memorial Hospital. She was the loving wife of Al Gates.

Born February 13, 1944 in Washington, DC, she was the daughter of the late William and Florence Mason.

Barbara worked for Frederick County Public Schools for 23 years in the special education department at New Market Middle School and as a school secretary at Kemptown Elementary.

She enjoyed vacationing with her family, watching her grandchildren in all their sports and activities, crafting, reading, puzzles, watching the Nationals with her husband, and spending time with family and friends. She enjoyed volunteering with Frederick County Food Bank and Kemptown Elementary School.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by son, Bob MacCracken and wife, Monica, of Walkersville; daughter, Jennifer Harris and husband, Jeff, of New Market; grandchildren, Bobby and Michael MacCracken, and Danielle, Matthew and Joshua Harris; a sister, Doris Case and husband, Bill; a brother, Robert Mason and wife, Joyce; several nieces and nephews; and a dear friend, Linda Lynch from Raleigh, NC.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a brother, Ray Mason.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, April 27, 2017 at Stauffer Funeral Home, 8 E. Ridgeville  Blvd., Mt. Airy. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 28 from the funeral home with the family receiving friends one hour prior. Officiating will be Pastor Guy Kneebone.

Interment will follow in Resthaven Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 108 Byte Drive, Suite 103, Frederick, MD 21702.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.staufferfuneralhome.com.