Minton, Vandell Smith Gates

Vandell Elizabeth Smith Gates Minton, 94, of 405 Northwood Drive, Pulaski, Va., died on Wednesday, December 24, 2008, in the Radford Nursing and Rehab. Center. She was born in Smyth County on February 2, 1914, and was the daughter of the late James and Hattie Smith.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Alvin Minton; a daughter, Naomi Ruth Gates Stewart; and by all of her siblings.

She lived most of her life in Pulaski County and was employed by Pulaski Hospital for many years. She also volunteered with the Red Cross for 25 years and the Community Yard Sale for many years. She was a member of the Eastern Star and the First United Methodist Church, Pulaski. She was the oldest of 10 children.

Surviving are two children, Harry Lee Gates and his wife, Jean, of Pulaski, and Maud Gates Brodd, of Dawsonville, Ga.; son-in-law, Charles Wade Stewart, of Radford; nine grandchildren and spouses, Jesse Lee Gates and Lynne, of Greensboro, N.C., Debra Gates Scanland and David, of Christiansburg, Robert Lee Gates and Mary, of Radford, Sharon Brodd Keating and William, of Dawsonville, Ga., Keith Wayne Brodd and Claire, of Round Hill, Va., Richard Alan Stewart and Ginger, of Charlottesville, Charles Wade Stewart Jr. and Kathleen, of Hampton, Julia Stewart, of Ashburn, and William Neal Stewart and Nanette, of Radford; 22 great grandchildren; one great great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 28, 2008, from Stevens Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Norman C. Wilholt officiating. Burial will follow in the Highland Memory Gardens, Dublin. Visiting will be held on Sunday at the funeral home where the family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until the service hour.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that memorials be made to the First United Methodist Church, 135 4th Street, N.W., Pulaski, Va. 24301 or to the charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements by Stevens Funeral Home, Pulaski, Va.