Irene Runkle Gates; Community Volunteer

Irene Runkle Gates, a community volunteer and pioneer family member, died Monday at her home in Simi Valley after a lengthy illness. She was 91.

She was born on May 23, 1909, the youngest child of Vivian and Frank Runkle. She grew up with her five brothers and sisters on a 3,000-acre family ranch on the south side of Simi Valley. At that time Simi consisted of orchards, grain fields and, in the foothills, grazing land for cattle.

She played on the tennis team at Simi High School and graduated in 1927. Six years later she became the first Miss Simi before the community became known as Simi Valley.

In 1934, she married Henry Gates, and the couple became very active in the community.

She was secretary-treasurer of Equestrian Trails Inc., Corral 53; a member of Las Manitas Auxiliary of Children’s Home Society, and a member of the Santa Susana Canasta Club.

Over a 30-year period, Gates volunteered more than 11,000 hours at Simi Valley Hospital as a gift shop aide. She also volunteered as an office worker at the United Methodist Church of Simi Valley.

From its beginning in 1964, she was a member of the Simi Valley Historical Society. She was always proud of Simi and often said that she wanted to do something for her community.

She was preceded in death by all of her siblings and her husband of almost 50 years.

Funeral services are scheduled at 10 a.m. Thursday at the United Methodist Church in Simi Valley, where she had been a member since age 18.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to the United Methodist Church, Simi Valley Hospital or the Simi Valley Historical Society.

Arrangements are under the direction of Reardon Simi Valley Mortuary.