White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

INDEPENDENCE – Norma Rose (Van Horn) Gates, 95 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

A private graveside and burial service will be held at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence.

Celebration of Life will be 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Saturday, November 28, 2026, at the River’s Edge Multi-Purpose Room in Independence.

Norma was born on November 3, 1931, in Des Moines, Iowa. She was the daughter of Julia Blanche (Fosse) and George Rokes. Norma married Loyal “Buster” Edwin Gates on November 6, 1949, in Independence. He preceded her in death as a result of a tragic accident on January 22, 1982.

She had been a member of the People’s Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, the Buchanan County Historical Society, and was active in the Independence Public School mentoring program. She and a dear friend taught local history for numerous years to the school children of the community. Her volunteer work for the Buchanan County Historical Society included grant writing, Wapsipinicon Mill tours, school “main street” walking tours, the Heritage Trail, and being the Wapsipinicon Mill coordinator and co-project manager. In 2013, she joined and served four years on the Independence Pool Committee to plan and fund a new swimming pool facility for Independence.

She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and her love and concern for children was always first and foremost. She loved to cook and take part in family projects, including Denny’s Pumpkin Patch every fall. She found joy in camping with her children, a summer event they shared for many years. She leaves many fond memories for all to cherish. She was an avid quilter and enjoyed helping make quilts at the Immanuel Lutheran Church.

She is survived by daughters, Cathy (David) Lehs, Charlene (Tony) Marzen, and Mary (Dennis) Shannon all of Independence, Iowa, as well as 11 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, “Buster” (Loyal); a son, David; infant twin grandchildren, Emily and Eric Shannon; and two brothers, Harry Van Horn and Richard Van Horn.

Condolences may be placed at www.White-MtHope.com.

White Funeral Home, Independence, is caring for the family.