Obituary of Margaret Gates Deitz

Margaret Gates Deitz Lee, 83, of Arden, passed away on Friday, February 5, 2021 at the Oaks at Sweeten Creek.

A native of Jackson County, she  was a daughter of the late Fred and Edna Sutton Gates. She was also preceded in death by Ken Deitz, as well as her siblings; Harold Gates, Frankie Roberts, Betty Jones, and Millard Gates.

Margaret is survived by her children; Sheila Howard (Danny) and Kenny Deitz (Vickie); four grandchildren; Josh Howard (Shandi), Sara Hudson (Josh), Bryan Deitz, and Brandon Deitz (Shelby); six great-grandchildren; Austin Howard, Owen Howard, Brayden Hudson, Leila Hudson, Peyton Deitz, and Carter Deitz; five siblings; Bill Gates, Hilda Sellers, Phyllis Stiwinter, Carolyn Hoyle, and Gary Gates, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, exended family and friends.

Margaret was a member of Chapel Hill Baptist Church. She loved the Lord and was always willing to put others' needs in front of her own. She loved to sing for the residents of the Oaks at Sweeten Creek, where she lived for nearly ten years. Family meant everything to her and she will be forever cherished as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend.

The family wishes to extend their appreciation to the entire staff of the Oaks at Sweeten Creek for their loving and compassionate care of Margaret during her ten years there.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at Chapel Hill Baptist Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Rev. James Hensley and Rev. Willard Pruitt will officiate. Her family will be at the church to greet friends on Wednesday starting at 1:00 pm.

Flowers are appreciated and may be delivered to Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian.