Josephine Gates, 72, of Elkhart, died Tues., Sept. 24, 2013 at Elkhart General Hospital. Josephine was born on Feb. 23, 1941 to Ernest and Madie (Cooper) Cassell in Utica, MS. On June 20, 1959 she married I.V. Gates. He preceded her in death in 1974. She is survived by son, Ira Lee (Kimberly) Gates, of South Bend and Joseph A. Gates, of Indianapolis; brothers, Clyde L. Cassell and Thomas Cassell, both of Elkhart; and six grandchildren. Josephine was also preceded in death by brothers, Jesse, Luther, Herman, Isom, Ernest Jr., and Mack Cassell. Josephine has lived in Elkhart since 1968. She was a homemaker. Friends may call from 11 a.m. until the funeral service at 12 (Noon) on Fri. Oct. 4, 2013 at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Rice Cemetery.