MAY 10 – Mrs. Dianne Blair Gates, 69, of Rice, passed away Monday, May 9, 2011 in Charlottesville. The daughter of the late Garry Wyatt and Lena DeBoe Blair, she was born December 14,1941 in Pittsylvania County, VA.

Mrs. Gates graduated from Climax High School and attended Longwood College before working for Prince Edward County Court Systems and helped build the veterinary practice now known as The Ridge Animal Hospital with her husband, Dr. James Bruce Gates, Jr.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. James Bruce Gates Jr., and two children, Anne Elizabeth Ferguson Campbell and husband, Mark of Maidens, and James Blair Gates, wife, Elizabeth and their daughter, Anna Blair, of Atlanta, GA; siblings, Garry W. Blair II and wife, Gloria of Virginia Beach, John M. Blair and wife, Carole of Clarksville, Susan B. Anderson and husband, Wayne of Gretna, Ralph L. Blair and wife, Jane of Rush Valley, UT, and D. Thomas Blair of Chatham; a very special friend, Pauline (Pateen) Frank, her “Bridge Club Ladies,” and her special pets, Tux, Terminator, Bo, Katze, and Buddy. She was predeceased by her brother, Barry S. Blair, also of Gretna.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, May 12, at 6pm at the chapel of Puckett Funeral Home. Family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sharon Baptist Church, c/o Betty Jo Bailey, 1860A Cumberland Road, Farmville, VA 23901, the American Heart Association, or to a charity of your choice.

Puckett Funeral Home, Farmville, is in charge of arrangements.

www.puckettfh.com