Sharon Ann Gates

Sharon Ann Gates, beloved wife, mother, and friend to many passed away January 27, 2026. Her love for others showed in all her actions. A cancer survivor for some 8 years, Sharon never failed to smile, offer kind words, and help others throughout her pain and suffering.

Sharon grew up on her family farm in Cannelburg Indiana with her parents Pius and June Hart (both deceased). After her secondary education at Barr Reeve, she received a BA in Nursing at Vincennes University, a BS in Nursing at Purdue University, and MS and PhD degrees from Indiana University.

As a clinical Psychiatric nurse and professor for over 30 years at Ivy Tech and Indiana University, she loved caring for others and teaching. Over the years she taught so many students how to nurture patients and provide loving care. She lived by these teachings to the utmost. Both with her family and friends as well as her patients, students and co-workers.

Throughout her long cancer journey, it was comforting that she in turn was cared for by many of the students she had taught.

She is survived by her husband of 44 years George William (Bill) Gates of Bloomington IN; her daughter Emma Gates and grandson Kalel Idewu of Grapevine Texas; her son Luke Hart Gates and son-in-law Carlos Garcia Medina of Washington DC; and her daughter Maggie June Gates of Bloomington IN. She is also survived by her sister Kathy (Hart) and brother-in-law Don Oldham of Fort Wayne IN; her brother Raymond Hart of Cannelburg IN, and her brother Dennis Hart of Cannelburg IN.

A celebration of Sharon’s life will be held at Woolery Mill, 2250 Sunstone Dr in Bloomington Indiana on the 8th of February. Join us in fellowship to share stories and remember our dear Sharon between 3-7pm. There will be a reflection ceremony of her life beginning at 4pm.

In lieu of flowers or other gifts, please donate to one or more of the following organizations with the specific designations:

- Catholic Charities Bloomington for providing mental health services in Monroe County Indiana

- Monroe County United Ministries to be held as endowment for childcare programs

- Indiana University Foundation, Inc for the Indiana University School of Nursing Bloomington Scholarship fund.