Vicki Sue Gates, 59, of Baldwin, passed away Sunday, February 27, 2022, peacefully at her home surrounded by family and friends, due to the sudden onset of a terminal illness.  She was born March 11, 1962, in Kalamazoo, to George and Virginia (Penny) Perse.

Vicki's greatest accomplishment in life was the birthing and raising of her five children.  She, together with her husband Johnny, homeschooled all of their children all the way through their high school graduations.

Vicki had a wide circle of friends and was involved in her community where she served for many years as a volunteer firefighter, EMT-B, CPR/BTLS instructor and more recently as a victim service advocate for the Lake County Sheriff's Department.  Vicki was also active in her church, serving for several years as a youth leader, Sunday School teacher, and nursery aide.  She touched many lives both through her faith and through her vivacious personality.

Vicki loved nature and being outdoors, especially hunting, hiking, canoeing, and camping.  She loved to travel and spent many vacations and retreats creating wonderful memories with her family and friends.  Vicki also enjoyed and appreciated adventuring alone to fully experience God's creation.

Vicki is survived by: her children, Ginni (Kevin) Braddy, Kati (Jake) Miller, Jamie (Brittany) Gates, Rylie Gates, and Martie (Heidi) Gates; 6 grandchildren, Sophie, Jude, Gemma, Benjamin, Levi, and Bethany; the father of her children, Karl "Johnny" Gates; her siblings, Cheri (John) Ruzza, Juli Perse, George "Buzzy" Perse Jr., and Bonni (Ken) Perse-Hanson; her nephew, Hunter Perse-Hanson; her niece, Anna Perse-Hanson; as well as numerous extended family and close friends.

Vicki was preceded in death by her parents, George and Virginia Perse; and her nephew, Grant Ruzza, as well as several very close friends.

A memorial gathering for family and friends to remember and share stories of Vicki's life will be held from 3-6 PM, Friday, March 11, 2022, at the Evergreen Covenant Church, 7396 S. Evergreen Road, Branch, Michigan, 49402.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution are encouraged instead to send a photo or memory of Vicki to Ginni Braddy, (by Facebook, phone or address,) 2478 W. 81 ^st Street, Baldwin, Michigan, 49304.

www.beaconfh.com