We much regret to record the death which took place on Monday, of Miss Nellie Gates, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs H S Gates, of Wellingborough-road, Rushden. Miss Gates had borne a very long and painful illness with much patience and fortitude, and by her general sweetness of character and disposition had endeared herself to a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. Her thought was always for others. By reason of her affliction she was not able to associate with other children of her own age, but spent her time in contributing to the comfort of others. During the war she regularly corresponded with a list of over 40 soldiers, for whom she spent much time in making little fancy articles which she sold, and with the proceeds bought comforts to send to her soldier friends. The very many letters of appreciation which she received from them are an admirable testimony of the regard in which she was held by these friends. Miss Gates also took a great interest in foreign missions, and was a member of the Park-road Baptist League of Ropeholders, which has for its object the raising of funds for the Baptist Missionary Society. She was an enthusiastic member of the Rushden Branch of Young Helper’s League, which raised money for Dr Barnado’s Homes. Much sympathy is felt with Mr and Mrs Gates, who lost their son Arthur in the war, while another son, Bert, still serving with the Colours, was for some time a prisoner of war in Germany, undergoing many privations.

The Funeral

took place on Wednesday. The first part of the service was conducted in the Park-road Baptist Church, the Rev H J Horn, of Peckham, formerly of Rushden, and the Rev R C Law, of Rushden, officiating. Both ministers spoke feelingly of the late Miss Gates’s gentleness of character, her love for everyone, and of how she was beloved by all. Mr Horn came from London, he said, as a message of love to his dear little friend, and spoke of his close knowledge of her many beautiful traits of character, which were an example to all Christian.

There were many members of the choir and Young Helpers’ League present in the church, and at the graveside the following, amongst others, were present: Mr L Perkins, B.Sc., and Mrs Perkins, Mrs B Ladds, Mrs T W C Linnitt, Mrs Walter Robinson, Mr J Knight, Mr H Spicer, Mr H Lack, and Mr D Darnell.

Blinds were drawn along the route as the funeral cortege proceeded from the house along Wellingborough-road to the chapel. Many of the wreaths were conveyed in the deceased’s own pony carriage. The immediate mourners were Mr and Mrs Gates (father and mother), Pte Herbert Gates, East Surreys (on Special leave), and Miss Hilda Gates (brother and sister), and Miss Gates, of London (auntie).

The coffin was of plain oak, with brass fittings, and bore on the breastplate the inscription:-

Nellie Gates
Died October 6th 1919
Aged 16 years.

The bearers were Messrs G Hales, W Ayres, C Richardson, and J Dickens. The funeral arrangements were arried out by Mr Arthur Sanders.

[a list of wreaths follows]