Longtime Newport Cafeteria Manager Janas Mae Gates Dies at 79

Gates was a devoted member of Holden Avenue Church of Christ and loved spending time with her family.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 7:48pm

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Janas Mae (Fisher) Gates, a 79-year-old resident of Newport, Arkansas, passed away on March 10, 2026. She was a 1965 graduate of Tuckerman High School and worked as the Cafeteria Manager at Castleberry Elementary School. Mrs. Gates was also an active member of Holden Avenue Church of Christ and enjoyed cooking, reading, and spending time with her family, especially her granddaughter Ava May.

Why it matters

Mrs. Gates' passing marks the end of an era for the Newport community, where she was known as a dedicated cafeteria manager, active church member, and loving family matriarch. Her life exemplified the values of community, faith, and family that have long defined the town.

The details

Janas Mae Gates was born on May 30, 1946, to Ralph, Sr. and Agnes (Rutledge) Fisher. She married Bobby Gates in 1966, and they shared 59 years together. In addition to her work as a cafeteria manager, Mrs. Gates also enjoyed working at the Gizmo Shop for her sister-in-law, Wilma Evans. She was known for her cooking, reading, and making floral arrangements and corsages for her church.

  • Janas Mae (Fisher) Gates passed away on March 10, 2026.
  • She was born on May 30, 1946.
  • Janas Mae married Bobby Gates on September 9, 1966.

The players

Janas Mae (Fisher) Gates

A 79-year-old resident of Newport, Arkansas, who worked as the Cafeteria Manager at Castleberry Elementary School and was a devoted member of Holden Avenue Church of Christ.

Bobby Gates

Janas Mae's husband of 59 years.

Ava May Gates

Janas Mae's granddaughter, who she loved spending time with.

Wilma Evans

Janas Mae's sister-in-law, for whom she worked at the Gizmo Shop.

Ralph, Sr. and Agnes (Rutledge) Fisher

Janas Mae's parents.

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What’s next

Funeral services for Mrs. Gates will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Jackson's Funeral Home Chapel, with Mr. Ryan Wilson officiating and Mr. Justin Rutledge speaking. Interment will follow in Watson Cemetery.

The takeaway

Janas Mae Gates' life and legacy serve as a testament to the enduring values of community, faith, and family that have long defined the town of Newport, Arkansas. Her dedication to her work, church, and loved ones will be deeply missed by all who knew her.