Erin Kathleen Gates, 29 years old, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, gained her wings on Thursday, November 3, 2022. Erin was born on March 26, 1993, to Steve and Faith Gates in Tulsa, Oklahoma. After graduating from Jenks High School in 2011, she went on to study at Tulsa Community College and then proudly at Oklahoma State University for nursing. For nearly a decade, she worked for Saint Francis Hospital. She truly loved the medical field and hoped to pursue a PhD in Medical Ethics.

Erin lived and loved fiercely. She stood out from any crowd, quite literally because she was so tall, especially in heels. Erin was known to be the life of any gathering. Her loud, obnoxious, and endearing presence could fill any room. Her aura was electrical. Erin was unapologetically herself, and for that was loved by so many from every walk of life. She never met a stranger that did not quickly become a friend. Erin would hear your story and share hers, even if it was with morbid humor. She listened to even the most broken without any judgment. She spread positive vibes any chance she could and had the ability to relate to people and lift them. Erin's tough exterior, positive outlook, generous spirit, and kind heart left an impression. For this, she will forever be remembered.

Erin loved nature, a trait she inherited mostly from her father. Her happy place was Colorado, particularly Westcliffe, where she often visited her Aunt Hope. Erin's love of the outdoors didn't stop there, she loved Utah and anywhere she could hike or meet up with Jeep peeps. Erin had an incredible love for music, whether she was playing her guitar, singing, or attending concerts. It brought her spirit to life. This became even more special when she started sharing this passion with Marleigh, her concert buddy. Erin was extremely gifted at drawing, painting, and athletics. During this past year, she kicked butt in women's tackle football. She loved the physicality, comradery, and competitiveness of the sport (also probably how amazing she looked with shoulder pads and a mouth guard). Erin was down for any adventure, no matter how big or small. She had a zeal for adrenaline and wowed everyone with her various passions and hobbies.

Erin is preceded in death by her loving grandparents, her beloved father, Steve Gates, and the father of her daughter, Kevin Salama. She is survived first by her light, very best friend, self-proclaimed greatest accomplishment, her daughter Marleigh Skye, along with her mother, Faith Gates, her brother, Evan Gates, her co-parent, Keith Desposito, her fiancé, Jared Higinbotham, and her friends who were very much her family.

Please join Erin's family and friends in celebrating her life and legacy on Thursday, November 10, 2022. Visitation will be held at 12:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life service at 2:00 p.m., at Stanley's Funeral Home, 3959 E. 31st St, Tulsa, OK 74135.

In lieu of flowers, family and friends may give remembrances towards Marleigh's 529 college savings account: https://gofund.me/b6f81d94 .

"The mountains may disappear, and the hills may become dust, but my faithful love will never leave you. I will make peace with you, and it will never end." The Lord who loves you said this. Isiah 54:10

To Livestream Erin's Celebration of Life, click the following link: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTY2Nzg2NzU5MjIxNzc3OCZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==